Gary Rowett gives his verdict on Millwall’s FA Cup exit + chances for James Brown and Billy Mitchell

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gary Rowett admitted his Millwall side were not at their best offensively as they exited the FA Cup.

Goals from Mo Besic and Ollie Norwood saw Sheffield United progress to the fifth round of the competition.

And the Lions chief felt he had to make changes with a major Championship fixture next week – Tuesday’s trip to second-placed Leeds United.

Midfielder Billy Mitchell, 18, and James Brown, 22, both started for Millwall against Premier League opposition.

Rowett said: “Up until 60 minutes there wasn’t an awful amount in the game.

“We had the one chance early with Aiden [O’Brien] breaking away and they had one off the line.

“Their athleticism and running pinned us back at times in their shape. But with two young players in the team we acquitted ourselves reasonably well.

“We just lacked a bit of quality today. We huffed and puffed – we forced the ball into areas rather than guide it into areas with a bit more composure. That’s been our challenge – when we don’t show that extra bit of quality.

“We have to try and make the game a bit of a scrap. You’re hoping a Premier League side with a poor mentality comes – doesn’t want to be there. But what you get with a Chris Wilder side is a team that comes with a brilliant mentality and then the difference comes down to a bit of quality.

“We get back into a good position for the first goal – we’re two v two, we make a decision with our players going with the same two players. It gives them five yards of space – a great finish from 25 yards and that little bit of class just opens the game up.

“Then we had a good spell and conceded against the run of play for the second one. You know it’s game over.

“We took a bit of a gamble today, like a lot of teams will do. We’re playing Leeds on Tuesday night and they’ve had 10 days break – it’s not an easy place to go. I just felt I’d be a little bit reckless if I didn’t leave us with some energy to go up there and try to perform.

“Young Billy Mitchell did really well – he was excellent. Young Browny’s first start at home – he acquitted himself really well, particularly defensively.

“I’m just a little disappointed we couldn’t make more of a game of it.”