‘Nothing’ – Gary Rowett provides insight and explains why message stayed the same to Millwall’s player

Gary Rowett was asked what he told his Millwall players at the half-time interval as they came out and scored twice to increase West Bromwich Albion’s woes and clinch a first victory in 2022.

Mason Bennett and Benik Afobe both struck as the Lions halted a three-match losing run in the Championship.

Rowett – asked what message he gave during the interval as Millwall produced an improved display – responded: “Nothing. Just do the same again and the game will open up. We said that before the game – that it’s going to be a war of attrition for 60 minutes and then it’s going to be about who can seize the last 30 [minutes].

“The players today have done what they have done so often at home – they have stepped up their game in the second half. We’ve had so many second halves where we’ve been the dominant team and we haven’t managed to score the goal to turn that into a winning performance.

“The players get huge, huge credit today. They came under a little bit of fire in the week, or over the weeks, and they’ve shown a lot of character – that’s what it’s about.

“But it’s one game. We want to try and build on that and see if we can build on that against Preston.”

Afobe was given a standing ovation after he was replaced in the 89th minute by George Evans.

The on-loan Stoke City striker walked around the edge of the pitch and clapped the supporters back.

Afobe is on seven goals for the Lions and confidently whipped the ball past David Button.

“Great finish,” said Rowett. “His touch was almost as good as his finish – the touch back inside. When he gets in those positions you always feel he’s got the composure to find the corner.

“He’ll say he should’ve done that more this season. He’s had lots of good chances. He should be in double figures. But all you can do is be ready to take the next opportunity and he showed a little bit of quality to do it.”