Going nowhere – Portsmouth loan target Thompson is staying at Millwall

Gary Rowett has spelled out that Ben Thompson will not be leaving Millwall in this transfer window.

Portsmouth have been keen on a loan return for the Lions academy product, who has previously starred for them on the South Coast. But the 25-year-old has started the last three Championship matches for his boyhood club.

“He is certainly not going to be going out in this window,” said Millwall manager Rowett. “He is a player we always wanted to keep in the building.

“I’ve had a couple of really good meetings with Thommo. He is desperate to play football. When he is on the pitch he wants to win and also win tackles, he loves that side of the game.

“He has started our last four matches [including the FA Cup] and that’s because I’ve felt we have lacked a little bit on the combative side and that really wanting to win for Millwall, that little extra pride that comes with it.

“All through the process Thommo has been pretty adamant he wanted to play for Millwall and didn’t want to leave. But, like anyone, if the opportunity is not there you are always going to look at something else more regular.

“He has come back in and I’ve been really pleased with what he has done in the last four games. Thommo knows what I want from him in terms of playing as an eight for us. If he is playing in that midfield three then he is the one who is allowed to bomb forwards and lose his shape. We need him to start creating and scoring goals. That’s the position and he is keen to do that.”