Midfielder’s new Millwall deal is reward for proving he is first-team ready

Gary Rowett says Billy Mitchell’s new contract is reward for his progression to an established first-team squad member.

The Lions confirmed yesteday that the 20-year-old midfielder – a boyhood fan of the SE16 club – had signed a long-term deal.

Rowett told the South London Press: “Sometimes you have to reward younger players when they have done well. Billy was on an U23 development contract essentially, and he has proved now he is part of the first team and a first-team player.

“Of course he has still got a long way to go with his own development and what he needs to do. It’s important the contract lets you have opportunities to grow and develop and be rewarded for that.

“He’s a young player and we want him tied down for a decent amount of time. If he does develop then we have got a very good player on our hands.

“Along with Danny McNamara earlier in the season, that’s another young lad that we have looked at for the longer term as well.”