Millwall boss on opponents Bournemouth sealing promotion – and former Lions target scoring decisive goal

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has praised Bournemouth counterpart Scott Parker ahead of the two clubs facing each other this weekend.

Kieffer Moore’s goal, striking home first time after a free-kick was played to his feet inside the penalty area, sealed a 1-0 win for the Cherries over Forest on Tuesday night. That result ensured that Bournemouth joined Fulham in sealing an automatic promotion place.

The South Coast club have nothing but pride to play for on the final day with Fulham already confirmed as champions.

Millwall are eighth and can still make the play-offs, but are reliant on winning this weekend and other results going in their favour.

Rowett said: “The first half [of the Bournemouth game] was fairly even but certainly second half they took control of the game.

“Over the season, for me, Fulham and Bournemouth have been the two teams in this division you feel had a little bit more than most teams. I would say that Forest have been very unlucky. I’d imagine since Steve Cooper came in they would probably be within that two or pretty close to it.

“But it’s over the season and Scottie has done a fantastic job there to deal with that pressure, to be able to recruit a few different players and change elements of the team. It hasn’t just been the same team to get them back up. I’m sure there will be a massive amount of relief they haven’t got to go to the last day because I’m sure if Forest had beaten them, that is a nerve-racking final day.

“They knew it was in their hands at home and they got over the line.”

Moore had been a target for the Lions before he signed for Cardiff City. He joined Bournemouth in the January transfer window as they recruited in an attempt to maintain and improve their push for the top two.

The goal came from a free-kick on the edge of the box, Philip Billing opting against shooting and instead finding the unmarked Wales international.

“I don’t know how much of a routine it was,” said Rowett. “When you see Kieffer Moore in a little bit of space, whether it is a bit of quick-thinking or something they’ve worked on, theydo create different kinds of set-pieces.

“I think it’s the finish, it is a really good finish. It’s a hard, sidefoot finish with accuracy. When you look at it, executed in a pressure game and at that stage, was the difference.

“I knew in the second half Bournemouth moved the ball and kept it away from Forest, but the actual finish was the one moment in the game that stood out.”