‘I didn’t want to put it at risk’ – Millwall boss confirms reason behind leaving Crystal Palace transfer target out of FA Cup clash

BY DAN MARSH

Alex Neil has confirmed he decided to leave Romain Esse out of Millwall’s win over Dagenham and Redbridge as a transfer to Crystal Palace progresses.

The Lions academy graduate, 19, has been the subject of strong interest from the Eagles this season and is now poised to move for a club-record fee.

Neil confirmed that there was no issue with Esse after Monday night’s 3-0 win over the Daggers and that he decided it would be best for the England U20 star to sit out the match.

“There wasn’t an issue,” Neil said when he was asked about the Lions youngster.

“Crystal Palace have shown a lot of interest [and] I didn’t make him available for the game. That situation is progressing and I didn’t want to put it at risk at this stage.”

PICTURE: BRIAN TONKS