Gary Rowett on Millwall being ‘too safe’ in first half at Swansea + rues missed opportunities in improved second period

Gary Rowett reckoned that Millwall should have been braver in the first-half of their goalless draw against Swansea City on Tuesday evening – but felt they were the superior side in the second period in South Wales.

The Lions are now three unbeaten in the league and move up to 15th in the Championship table.

Rowett said: “It’s been a tough few days with the West Brom journey and then again to Swansea, because I don’t think the fixtures have been particularly kind to us. We started a little bit leggy, and Swansea are good at what they do. I think they had four shots in the first-half to our three. There wasn’t a great deal of goalmouth action.

“But what they do is control the possession and make it very difficult for you to jump out. I felt we needed to be a little braver and push our midfielders out and we played it a little bit safe.

“The big thing for me was in the first half, whenever we won the ball on our transitions, we didn’t use the ball well.

“In the second half I felt that we were the better side and to come away like that and retain the energy and be a bit braver and step up the pitch and press a little higher we’ve had some excellent moments.

“The last four games have certainly been far more positive. What we have to do is we have to start putting performances in, in our home games and see if we can win them and make the run of games we’ve had look a good run of games.

“We all felt that Blackpool at home even though they’re a good side, they beat Fulham, but they’re the sort of games you have to go and win.

“To go away to West Brom and Swansea, to patch certain areas up in the team, and go and get two good results and two games where I’ve felt we’ve had moments to win the games. I can’t ask for much more effort, a little bit more quality but I’ve been pleased with certainly the last four games.”