Millwall striker could make debut at Wigan Athletic

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Millwall manager Gary Rowett is hoping to have Mason Bennett available for Saturday’s match at Wigan Athletic.

The striker has yet to play a minute for the Lions since arriving on loan from Derby County.

And Bennett suffered a knock in an U23 match at the start of last week that ruled him out of being in the fixtures against Fulham or Preston North End.

The 23-year-old’s last appearance at first-team level was November 23.

Bennett had nine outings for the Rams this season before signing a temporary deal in SE16.

“He trained on Friday and go through it fine,” said Rowett. “He would have been involved in the Fulham game had he not picked up a knock.

“It was a really innocuous challenge and it just rocked his ankle a little bit. The ankle was a little swollen, nothing serious.

“When you bring someone in on loan you want them to be involved – and I want Mase to be involved and ready. But it is like with Lenny [Ryan Leonard], you put them in when they are ready – otherwise you are putting them on the bench and taking out somebody who can do something off the bench.

“If Mase gets through this week okay then he’ll certainly be involved at the weekend.

“He’s been really unfortunate. The challenge was always going to be getting him fit.”