‘He can blow teams away’ – Experienced Millwall man keep to help nurture top prospect Romain Esse and the club’s other young guns

George Saville has talked about the importance of keeping Romain Esse’s confidence high after the teenager scored his second goal of the season in Millwall’s defeat at Bristol City on Saturday.

The 19-year-old winger was the matchwinner in last week’s EFL Cup victory over Portsmouth.

Esse, from Lambeth, has started all three of the Lions’ matches this season.

“There are positives,” said Saville, when asked by the South London Press about the 4-3 loss to City at Ashton Gate. “Romain has come in and scored a couple of goals.

“He has got the potential and ability that I don’t think many have got in the squad.

“He was a little bit quiet in the first half and it’s important for us, and me, to get his shoulders up and his confidence up.

“You saw in 15 minutes in the second half that he blew them away. So he has that in him. He has got a great attitude so Romain can do what he wants to do – it’s only in between his ears that is stopping him.

“He has fantastic potential. He is a good man and listens.

“He has been excellent so far this season. The biggest challenge is the consistency – can he consistently perform and chip in with goals over the course of the season? It’s not easy for a young player.”

Midfielder Alfie Massey, 18, was recently handed a new long-term contract by the Lions last week.

The youngster made his debut against Pompey and had been promoted to the senior squad in pre-season.

“He’s a good kid,” said Saville. “I didn’t know too much about him but he’s overtaken some players from his age group – stepped up in pre-season and done really well.

“He’s got that bite about him and he’s eager to learn. He has got that tenacity.

“He’s got everything you’d want in a young player.

“It’s about being patient with him and remembering he is only 18. He’s really impressed me and I’ll do everything I can to help and guide him.”

Millwall head coach Neil Harris recently talked about Celtic midfielder Daniel Kelly reminding him of a “young George Saville”.

The Lions had a pre-contract agreement in place for the 18-year-old, who rejected new terms at the Scottish giants, which kicks in on January 1 but have now managed to move that forward to happen in this window.

Asked what advice Saville would have imparted to himself with the knowledge he has since gained in the game, the former Chelsea, Wolves and Middlesbrough man said:  “Playing youth team level or the reserves and then stepping up to the first team is a different game.

“I’ll do my very best to help them.

“I want to be playing and hopefully they’ll be pushing me.

“These young lads are coming in and probably going to be here longer than say I am – if they have signed longer deals.

“It is about what is right for this football club and bringing in fresh blood to develop is important. We have to give them time.”

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS