‘Intelligent footballer’ – Millwall boss praises Hull City loanee after Rotherham win

BY ALEX GRACE

Gary Rowett was full of praise for loanee Ryan Longman after he opened his account for the club in the 3-0 win over Rotherham United on Wednesday night. 

The 22-year-old former AFC Wimbledon loanee opened the scoring against the Millers when he cut back onto his right foot from outside the area and drilled an effort beyond Viktor Johansson.

Longman joined the Lions on a season-long loan from Hull City on deadline day.

“He’s a young player – we bought him in for his versatility,” said Rowett.

“You know he can play left wing-back, right wing-back, he can play up front. He can play anywhere, sort of, in that attacking area. 

“He’s just a really good footballer, he’s an intelligent footballer. He’ll be a great addition. He’s a good character as well. His family are from this neck of the woods so I’m sure getting back home and back down south I, think probably gives a player a more settled feeling. 

Rowett is keen to have players ready to step into the fray like Longman has when there is injuries or suspensions in his team. 

“Hopefully,  he can build that confidence and help us out. We have a lot of other players that haven’t that had the opportunity yet. People like Wes Harding hasn’t had that opportunity yet. He would have played against Leeds had Ryan not been available for the wing-back role because Muzza [Murray Wallace] would’ve stepped forward and he’d have slotted in. 

“So that’s what we need. We need players who are ready – we need players that are going to come into the team and do the job when it’s required.”