Millwall boss surprised by Cardiff City loanee’s summer availability – and praises substitute impact so far

Neil Harris admitted he was surprised that Cardiff City made Ryan Wintle available for loan in the summer – and has praised the 27-year-old’s impact off the bench for Millwall in the opening weeks of the season.

Wintle arrived on loan from the Bluebirds during the summer but has been limited to just 28 minutes on the pitch so far.

Despite making 44 appearances and captaining the Bluebirds on a number of occasions last season, former manager Erol Bulut was happy for the midfielder to go out on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.

Asked if he was surprised about Wintle’s availability Harris said: “Yes I was, but that’s football, isn’t it? You can’t always have a settled squad.

“Sometimes it’s a combination of a player feeling like they need a change or a manager feels like they need a change.

“Ryan became available and we were pleased to take him. He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, I’ve followed him since he came in here, we were delighted to take him.

“His opportunity to be in the starting 11 hasn’t happened yet because we’ve played so well, but when he’s come on, he’s had an impact, he’s been very good for us, and he’s been excellent in training.”