‘Incredible’ talent Romain Esse gets advice from Millwall team-mate who was also hyped in his formative years

Duncan Watmore has talked about Romain Esse’s huge potential and it being key that the Millwall prospect remains “grounded”.

Lions attacker Esse scored for England Men’s Elite side in their 4-0 win over Germany on November 15.

The 19-year-old then came on in Tuesday’s Elite League 1-1 draw in Poland.

Millwall team-mate Watmore was hyped when he broke through at Sunderland only for two serious knee injuries to have a huge impact on his career.

Asked what advice he would give to Esse when you are being touted as a huge talent, Watmore told the South London Press: “Don’t do your ACL back to back! That would help. That’s the path I went down, unfortunately.

“Rom has a lot more ability than I have or I ever had. It’s a different ball game in that respect.

“The most important thing for me is the mental side of it. You have to try and stay as grounded as possible, keep doing what got you there and keep believing in yourself.

“There are lots of ups and downs in this career and there are a lot of quick changes of opinion on you as a player.

“You have to try and stay as level as possible, keep preserving and trusting in yourself.

“Rom’s ability is incredible. Also, he’s such a good person and such a good guy. He’s great to have around the place.

“My advice to him would, which is what I say to him all the time, is to keep enjoying it and doing what you’re doing.

“You can see when he’s having fun that he’s an absolutely fantastic player and we’re very lucky to have him.”

See Friday’s South London Press for a full interview with Watmore.

PICTURE: FA/GETTY IMAGES