Millwall boss explains why Ryan Leonard selected ahead of Danny McNamara for 2-0 win over Stoke

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has explained why Ryan Leonard started ahead of Danny McNamara at right wing-back in the 2-0 win over Stoke at The Den.

McNamara has been the subject of two rejected bids from QPR and is out of contract at the end of the season.

And Rowett admitted that was at least part of the thinking when it came to going with Leonard on that side of the backline.

Millwall’s defence were largely in control as they started off their Championship campaign with a clean sheet.

“You make a decision based on what you see in pre-season,” said Rowett when asked about picking Leonard. “I think it’s been well-documented that there’s been a little bit of uncertainty about Danny’s situation – made it very difficult for him to be fully focused today.

“Lenny always goes in there, slots in and shows good energy and composure. And he can attack as well as he defends. It was a decision we made, just like starting Jamie Shackleton today. I could easily have started Sav, he’s been excellent towards the end of pre-season. I just felt the game would be a little more energetic, just like I felt Lenny’s size might help us today.”

Charlie Cresswell scored twice on his Lions debut.

The Leeds loanee could have been starting on the bench but Shaun Hutchinson injured his hamstring in Thursday’s training session.

“He came in Friday and didn’t feel confident enough to open up,” said Rowett. “We’ve had it scanned and we don’t think there is any real serious damage in there. I don’t think he’ll be out for more than a few days. He might be fit for Tuesday, he might be fit for Saturday. I think Hutch has had a couple of muscle injuries Hutchy last season, at the start, and ended up missing quite a bit of time.

“So, for him, it was almost he didn’t want to risk it. Hopefully that decision means as much as it could’ve caused us a problem today it means we don’t lose a player for very long.”