Millwall midfielder happy his personal “hell” is behind him

BY KAI BENNETT

Billy Mitchell was delighted with his first 90 minutes of the Championship season in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Preston.

The 19-year-old only returned to Millwall’s first-team squad in the middle of February after being ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Mitchell earned praise from Lions boss Gary Rowett for his display against North End as he outshone former Den loanee Jayson Molumby.

“It’s been a very long seven months or so, and this season has just been hell for me,” said Mitchell, who tore his hamstring during the club’s training camp in Scotland..

“You go away for pre-season and you have ambitions of starting off the season – you envisage all the things you are going to do for the club – and it goes south very, very quickly.

“At the same time, you have to look at the process as a learning curve. I’m much more aware of what’s happening with my body now.

“I was tired at times because it’s only my second 90 minutes this season [including U23s] but nonetheless I can’t put into words how good it feels, just to be back on the pitch.

“I’m thankful to the staff for showing the trust in me and my body – hopefully I repaid them to some extent.’’