Millwall boss can’t fault effort of his players in Den defeat to Norwich City

Gary Rowett had no complaints about the application of his Millwall players in yesterday’s 3-2 loss to Norwich City.

The Lions saw their 11-game unbeaten Championship home record snapped by David Wagner’s side.

Millwall were not helped by the fact they played in midweek – a 2-2 draw at Luton Town – while Norwich had a full week to prepare.

The Lions had another addition to their sidelined players with Leeds loanee Jamie Shackleton ruled out due to illness. Millwall were also without Billy Mitchell, Mason Bennett and Tyler Burey.

Rowett said: “We lost Shacks this morning to another illness, so it just stretches that squad once more. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had the opportunity to pick the same team twice – we’ve had to constantly keep tweaking and adjusting things.

“The third (Norwich) goal is a great bit of quality, he spins. I can talk about how we can drop in and block that space, but it’s a great bit of quality – a bit of Premier League quality – and you’re 3-1 down in a game where you feel like it’s been fairly even.

“We get a goal back and the fans stayed behind us. They turned up in numbers and kept urging us forward. I think we tried everything we could to get back in the game.

“The one thing I’d highlight about this group is their determination, character, energy and their effort just to try and get an equaliser at the end.

“We had a goal-line clearance (from Tom Bradshaw’s shot). If that’s the other way around it probably flips up on to someone’s shin and goes in, but it wasn’t to be. (Grant) Hanley, great experience, just drops in at the right time.

“We’ve had a couple of other good moments. We’ve had about 20 shots to Norwich’s eight or nine, so it clearly shows that we’ve created enough opportunities, but Norwich have ended up with those goals against the moments that we needed to defend better.”