Millwall boss gives verdict on form of winger – “He’s got the bit between the teeth”

Millwall manager Gary Rowett reckons that Connor Mahoney is beginning to push his claim for a more regular first-team starting berth – with the winger impressing in Tuesday’s 3-1 EFL Cup victory over Cheltenham.

The former Bournemouth man is arguably contesting with Mason Bennett for the left-sided attacking slot.

“We’re judging the fact that people have had the opportunity to play against League Two opposition – when you might get slightly more chances – over others who played against Stoke in a really tough game where there were less chances,” said Rowett.

“We know that Connor can really affect the games and what he is doing at the moment is showing he has got the bit between the teeth. That’s all we can ask him to do. It’s whether he can show a little more consistency to his game.

“We feel we’ve got slightly more options this season and that was the whole aim with the frequency of the games – but also be more competitive and see if it spurs to a little bit better performance or a similar performance. Sometimes you have to be better to stay the same in this division. You can’t stand still to get to where you got last year, particularly in the Championship.

“The pleasing thing about the three cup games is that everyone will have been involved. It gives everyone the opportunity to get game time and start games to show what they can do.”