“He can handle the Championship” – Millwall boss Gary Rowett breaks down loan swoop for Spurs striker Troy Parrott

Gary Rowett has spoken about the overall package which he believes gave Millwall the edge in landing Troy Parrott.

The 18-year-old striker signed on a season-long loan at the weekend.

Swansea and Preston North End also wanted the Republic of Ireland international with Celtic and Bournemouth also expressing an interest.

But Parrott opted for Millwall – just like Spurs captain Harry Kane did at the same age as he revelled in a Den loan in 2012.

Lions manager Rowett told the South London Press: “I think he can see where good strikers have come to Millwall in the past on loan.

“I’ve had some good strikers who have played under me and gone on to do well – the likes of Che Adams and Matty Vydra.

“He’s obviously spoken to Jayson Molumby and I think he’s given the club a glowing reference and told him about the characters in the dressing room.

“He obviously senses with us that he’s got a good opportunity of getting plenty of playing time, which is something we felt we could offer him.

“Maybe other teams might have seen him as good to have – nice impact – but we see him as someone that is going to come and play games.

“It was the overall package. I’d like to think we sold the club and what we’re trying to do next season in a positive light.

“That’s probably what sold it. I’m sure he’d answer the question better himself.

“It’s another good step in the right direction of the transfers we’re looking to do early.”

Parrott is regarded as one of the top young talents emerging at Spurs. The teenager made four appearances for the north London club last season – two of those in the Premier League.

“He’s one our recruitment team have watched a lot,” said Rowett. “I’ve watched him a lot for the U23s at Spurs and also a little bit with Ireland – his development from the U21s to the first team.

“He’s a goalscorer – but he’s not just a goalscorer. He can link play and make intelligent runs in behind and he is a mature 18-year-old.

“He is the type of player who can go into the Championship and handle it. He’s obviously still a young player, so we’ve got to try and treat him right and play him in the right position in the right games.

“He can play anywhere across the front three positions and it’s something I’ve been looking to add, a little more quality in the front three areas. He gives us a little more flexibility.

“He is a natural finisher. He is a player that a lot of teams wanted in our division, and we’re very fortunate he chose us over all those clubs.”

Kane scored nine goals during a four-month stint with the Lions. He followed up with loans at Norwich and Leicester before developing into one of the top strikers in Europe.

Rowett said: “We reminded him [Parrott] of that and said it might be worth having a chat with Harry. Listen, anybody who has come to play for Millwall over the years can tell Troy exactly what it is. It’s a proper club and the fans are passionate.

“What we maybe lack in facilities we make up for in character and endeavour. Also if you see the team it is one that narrowly missed out on the play-offs and played some great stuff in different formations. I think people see us in a slightly different light and maybe a more flexible playing style that might attract these top Premier League young players.”

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