Millwall boss makes admission over Portsmouth target Ben Thompson

Gary Rowett has admitted that Ben Thompson had probably deserved more game time before his start in Millwall’s 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town on Wednesday.

Portsmouth are keen on a loan return for the 25-year-old midfielder

But Thompson came into the Lions’ midfield in midweek. It was his first start since the beginning of December.

“I just think in the quest to be a good team maybe we have gone too far away from actually what we’re good at,” said Millwall manager Rowett. “When you finish eighth it is natural to try and be a better footballing team, we started that well but maybe it petered out.

“Thommo deserves more game time. We know that he works his socks off and he is a great lad.

“Certainly on Saturday he was unlucky he didn’t start. And he was unlucky he didn’t start at Boreham Wood, he was never far from my mind.

“He came on and showed a bit of effort at Forest and deserved to start [at Huddersfield]. When we play with a three [in midfield] it gives him a bit more license to step in and join attacks.

“He did both sides really well. He looked like he was out on his feet a couple of times but dug in and did what he needed to do.”