Is contract situation an extra incentive for Connor Mahoney? Millwall boss Rowett on winger’s starting prospects

Connor Mahoney is set to get another chance to cement a Millwall starting spot at Nottingham Forest tomorrow – with manager Gary Rowett happy if his contract situation provides extra incentive to do well.

The 24-year-old winger is due to be a free agent at the end of this season. Mahoney impressed in Wednesday’s 2-0 EFL Cup loss to Leicester City.

And the former Blackburn, Birmingham and AFC Bournemouth attacker, pictured right, looks likely to make a first Championship start of the campaign at the City Ground tomorrow with Jed Wallace and Sheyi Ojo both doubts due to illness.

Asked if Mahoney might find his contract situation a further motivation to do well, Rowett replied: “I hope so. He is a great lad and a really popular member of the squad.

“All we’ve really needed is for him to match that talent with the endeavour, drive and desire. It’s probably a bit unfair to say that he hasn’t….he hasn’t had that many opportunities. He has almost had to force his way into the team.

“Connor has got the ability but ability, in any sport, is only one thing. He was really good on Wednesday night, there was one moment in the first half where he tracked back the length of the pitch to make a tackle. That is the type of thing you need to do if you want your team to win games.”

Rowett is still limited in his options for the Forest fixture, with Mason Bennett (back) missing out against the Foxes.

Murray Wallace played against the Premier League side despite a slight calf niggle. Dutchman Maikel Kieftenbeld (hamstring) was not risked.

Striker Benik Afobe featured for 20 minutes. The Stoke City loanee missed three games with a knee injury.

“Benik is such an important player for us that we’ve got to get it right,” said Rowett.

“It was about gauging his knee. He had an injection and had it aspirated to get the fluid out.

“He had two weeks of not doing anything and then it was a little bit of rehab and training to see how the knee responded. So far it has responded pretty well.

“He probably took the safe option [against Leicester] and drifted out wide, where there was a little bit more space for him to get through the last 15, 20 minutes.”