Millwall boss reveals attacking focus during two-week international break

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has used the international break to work on his side’s attacking combinations.

The Lions are almost back to a full-strength squad with Mason Bennett potentially back available for Saturday’s home game against Luton Town.

Jed Wallace, Sheyi Ojo, Benik Afobe and Bennett have all been missing due to either illness or injury in the opening months.

But Rowett has greater options heading into this weekend’s fixture at The Den following the international break.

He said: “It’s given us a chance to work on some of the principles which we haven’t really been able to drill down with all the players – particularly the front three and the forward line.

“It’s been about looking at different combinations and different ways of playing and working together.

“We certainly haven’t had Jed, Sheyi, Mason, Smudge, Bradders and Benik all available to work together in different ways of attempting to create opportunities. That’s been a big factor in our two weeks, trying to be a little bit more clinical.

“It’s something we’ve spent a.little bit of time trying to develop. Time will tell [if it has been successful].”

The Lions are hunting a third straight league win in a row for the first time since March and April.

Consistency in the Championship can be hard to find but Millwall are undefeated in seven matches.

“Winning games back-to-back is difficult and losing games back-to-back is difficult,” said Rowett. “But it’s all part of the challenge of a tight and competitive division. I certainly look at Luton as tough opposition.

“I wouldn’t in any way, shape or form say we should win. We’ve got to work incredibly hard and make the margins go for us. But after two wins on the bounce and unbeaten in seven tough Championship games, we’re obviously going into it confident. We’re also aware that we have to be as clinical as we can when we get opportunities.”