Millwall boss updates on injury issue which forced George Honeyman off – and not so happy with second-half display at Gillingham

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has revealed what forced George Honeyman off in today’s 2-0 friendly win over Gillingham today.

Kevin Nisbet’s penalty put the Lions ahead in the first half before Irish striker Aidomo Emakhu produced a thumping late finish.

But Honeyman, who was playing right wing-back in the opening 45 minutes, had to be replaced by Danny McNamara.

Rowett said: “His quad was a little bit tight. Thursday we worked to almost a full match level, so players are going to be a little bit tight and sore. We hope everyone can get through it but, occasionally, players are going to break as you look to push to the next level.

“He wasn’t sure if he pulled anything. He just felt he couldn’t run properly, therefore at that point you take him off.”

Nisbet, signed from Hibernian in June, also scored in the 6-1 behind-closed-doors friendly against Bromley at Calmont Road earlier this week.

The Scottish international stepped up after Duncan Watmore was fouled inside the penalty area.

“It’s important we get those minutes into the players’ legs,” said Rowett. “It’s difficult conditions for both teams to show any real quality.

“I’m semi-pleased with the first-half performance. The second-half performance was really poor – for quite a senior team I’d expect us to show a little more drive to press and get on the ball.

“Sometimes these games just peter out a little bit. It is more minutes in the legs and more chance for young players like Aidomo to show what they can do.

“Putting Alex Mitchell back on just prevents Danny from doing too much. You have got to try and navigate one or two things at the moment. Pre-season is structured around hoping at this stage you have got four or five news players in the building. The obvious delay on that just leaves us a little bit light numbers-wise.”