Millwall boss is optimistic about good news on his injured players after next international break

Gary Rowett is expecting all of his sidelined Millwall players to be closing in on returns from injury after the international break.

The Lions are missing Ryan Leonard, Shaun Hutchinson, Mason Bennett and Danny McNamara for Saturday’s home game against Blackpool.

Rowett has already indicated he would like to add at least one more signing before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. But since then he has also seen his defensive options depleted.

“Injuries are part and parcel of the game and after the international break I’m hoping Hutch won’t be a million miles away – he’s making good progress,” said the Millwall boss. “Mason won’t be that far away, Danny is the same and Ryan will be fit.

“Bringing Mason into our forward line….it looks very different. Danny, Hutch and Lenny are important players for us.

“I still believe we need that bit more in the position I’ve already spoken about, a little more creativity and a bit of attacking flair. That’s something I’d like, but at the same time I’m sat here feeling there is more to come from Connor Mahoney, Tom Bradshaw and Smudge [Matt Smith] hasn’t had an opportunity – we know how effective he can be.

“It’s certainly not like I’m going to complain if nothing happens. We have got a team that has already proved it can be very competitive in this division.”