Millwall boss explains why he only made one sub against Middlesbrough

Gary Rowett has explained why he only made one substitution in Millwall’s 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough.

The Lions boss brought on 16-year-ol Zak Lovelace in the 71st minute to replace Mason Bennett.

Tyler Burey and Connor Mahoney were other potential attacking options that were left on the bench.

But the Millwall manager also revealed that his squad had other fitness issues both before and during the match against the Teessiders.

Rowett said: “There wasn’t loads and loads of space in the game for a Tyler. That’s why I brought Zak on. Jed still had moments where he still looked dangerous and Benik had a couple of moments where he created the chance for himself where he looked quite dangerous.

“Every time he [Lovelace] gets an opportunity he looks like he might take it. It would’ve been easy to bring Tyler on, but he’s had a couple of games where he hasn’t been quite as good as he had been previously – that happens with a young player.

“I wanted to give Zak a chance to show what he can do and stretch his legs and get a little bit more time on the pitch. He made some really good runs, some good touches. I felt it was more a game for an out and out striker rather than a winger, looking for that space.”

“Other changes are just going to be a change for the sake of changing it.

“Scottie Malone was struggling today with illness and worked incredibly hard. He did well against Jones, who is a dangerous player.

“Dan Ballard – unbelievable recovery. He looked good. He felt his hamstring a little bit.

“And Evo was on the bench and felt his calf in the warm up, so I couldn’t bring him on. We are where we are. We’re hoping to get one or two players back, maybe before the international break and that will massively help us.”