‘Ideally you’d want him to get a little breather’ – Millwall boss on Tom Bradshaw’s Wales call-up

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has given his verdict on Tom Bradshaw’s Wales call-up and reckons that more of his squad could also be away over the international break.

Wales boss Rob Page selected Bradshaw for their Euro 2024 qualifiers later this month against Croatia and Latvia.

The number nine is claiming that he got the final touch on Millwall’s first goal in last night’s 2-1 win over Swansea City. If it is awarded to him then he will move one ahead of Zian Flemming in the club’s scoring charts on 14.

But Rowett admits that Bradshaw’s return to the international fold is a double-edged sword as the hard-working frontman will get no break after Saturday’s home game against Huddersfield.

Benik Afobe’s January exit depleted the frontline options for the Lions chief although he did play loanee Oliver Burke through the middle in the closing stages of the Swansea match.

Asked about Bradshaw’s call-up, Rowett said: “It’s a hard one because ideally you’d want him to have a little bit of a breather, but I don’t think you can take that away from Bradders. Selfishly I’m hoping that he goes, really enjoys it and maybe comes on for 10 minutes at the end of each game.

“He does deserve it. The thing with Bradders is that he gives you so much on the pitch and his goalscoring has been there for everyone to see. He actually gives you a lot off the pitch – he’s such a bubbly guy. Very positive, great to have around the place.

“For a Welsh squad he can offer real good value, either way. Hopefully he comes back in one piece, that’s the main thing.

“We might have a few (called up). It shows the form of the team. It wouldn’t surprise me if we have quite a few who go away. Young Rom (Romain Esse) has been involved in England squad. Cressy (Charlie Cresswell) has been involved in England U21 squads. Danny (McNamara) has been very close to the Republic of Ireland squad.

“We’ve got others around, like Sav (George Saville) and Bradders now. It shows how far we’ve come as a team and as a club. People are getting the recognition.

“Sometimes as a manager you’d rather them have a break and be right for the next game after Huddersfield.”