Millwall defender’s display – after long absence from starting line-up – exceeded expectations of manager Gary Rowett

Gary Rowett admitted that Alex Pearce surpassed his expectations on his return to Millwall’s side – with the captain leading by example in last night’s 1-0 win at Coventry City.

The 33-year-old centre-back had made just one Championship outing this season, as an 86th-minute substitute at home to Birmingham City.

But Pearce played the full match at Coventry City Arena. The last time he achieved that was the 0-0 draw at Brentford in mid-April.

Asked about the skipper’s display, Rowett told the South London Press: “Real leadership performance…a real captain’s performance.

“I spoke to Pearcey earlier in the season and I said part of the challenge was that I wanted to go with a little more mobility in the back three, so we can play a little bit higher and press higher. He completely understood that.

“The team has been conceding goals recently, particularly away from home. It was always in my mind to bring him back and see if he had that calming and organising influence on the team.

“I’ve got to say even I didn’t think he’d be able to produce that type of performance without playing for so long. It showed his character and what a class act he is.

“He had a real impact on a clean sheet away from home.”