Millwall boss Rowett: Romain Esse has so much ability – he has got to push for more

Millwall manager Gary Rowett wants prospect Romain Esse to “push for more” ahead of coming back after the summer and aiming to cement a bigger first-team role.

The 18-year-old winger made 12 Championship appearances last season and was selected by England at U18 level.

Esse scored Millwall’s first goal in their PDL national play-off final win over Sheffield United on Monday.

Rowett told the South London Press: “Romain is one of those where he has set the bar higher and you kind of expect him to do that (score in the play-off final).

“He is in a position now where he has got to push for more. He’s got so much ability. He picks the ball up and glides past people. We need to get him in and around the penalty box because those type of players are few and far between.

“What is nice as well is that he is a humble lad. He’s with the first team all the time and then steps back with the U21s in a game like that and you can see it means just as much to him as it does all the other players. That’s really nice. They have got a really good camaraderie there and it’s a culture that runs throughout the club.

“The fans got behind it and there was a good atmosphere. It was lovely to see so many people supporting the lads.”