Millwall boss responds to Blades’ claim that Bradshaw wanted to come off before netting hat-trick goal

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has dismissed Paul Heckingbottom’s claim that Tom Bradshaw was asking to come off before bagging his hat-trick.

The Lions frontman scored all of their goals in today’s 3-2 win over second-placed Sheffield United.

Millwall are sixth in the Championship table after their 14th victory of the campaign.

Bradshaw has two trebles this season, the other coming in SE16 against Watford.

Asked about Heckingbottom’s assertion, Rowett said: “No, I don’t think so. He got a kick to the calf, but he knew it was a kick. I said to him at half-time if you feel like you’re struggling, you need to let us know because I’m not going to risk you. But he said he was fine.

“He had a gel on the sideline but he wasn’t asking to come off. I think that was the moment he was getting blocked trying to stop McBurnie on corners and he was more asking Adam (Barrett) how he stops that.

“I don’t think so (that Bradshaw wanted to be subbed), unless I heard something different. But I certainly wouldn’t have been taking him off at that point.”