Gary Rowett had one win over Patrick Vieira during their playing days – Millwall boss impressed at his Palace start

Gary Rowett faced Patrick Vieira seven times during their playing days – his only victory coming while he was on Derby County’s books in November 1997.

The two bosses will pit their wits against each other at The Den tomorrow in the FA Cup tie between Millwall and Palace.

Rowett’s win with the Rams was a rare blip for the Gunners as Vieira won the first of three Premier League titles in the 1997-98 season.

Vieira scored against Rowett’s Leicester in a 6-1 win at Highbury on Boxing Day 2000 – Thierry Henry bagging a hat-trick. The Frenchman was sent off in a 4-0 win over the Foxes in August 2001 – another campaign where Arsene Wenger’s team finished top of the pile.

“That was the game where I think I first injured my knee,” said Rowett. “It’s hard to just think about Patrick because they had Thierry Henry, [Sylvain] Wiltord and [Emmanuel] Petit around that time as well. They were such a powerful team.

“I’ve been really impressed by the job Patrick has done. He has changed Palace from a very successful but pragmatic style under Roy [Hodgson] to a little more possession-based, it shows what a good football brain and intelligent guy he is. Top, top players don’t always make top managers, but he has started really well.”