Millwall boss Rowett: We’ll need all options up front

Millwall boss Gary Rowett has stressed he will need to use all his strikers this season, writes Dan Marsh.

The Lions boss expects Mason Bennett and Benik Afobe back this weekend – but Tom Bradshaw has the shirt and scored twice last weekend.

Rowett has stated he will have to use a combination of front men, depending on the opposition, as the Lions try to close in on a top-six spot.

He said: “We’re going to need all of our strikers. There are going to be some games where having the likes of Mason [Bennett], Benik [Afobe] and Matt [Smith] off the bench is going to be crucial for us. Having the likes of Bradders and Jed [Wallace], Connor Mahoney and Sheyi Ojo too, that depth is going to be crucial for us.

“They have all got to find a way to get in the team and score goals. Hopefully, that competition can help us continue to push up the table.”

These days, top-level sides seem to shun the idea of a traditional number nine. But Rowett isn’t sure it will catch on in the EFL.

“Once upon a time in the Football League you’d see two or three big massive centre-halves in each team and a target man or two in every team,” he said. “Because of the technical way that academies play now, they’re producing more rounded players that all look quite similar in a lot of their aspects. Out-and-out strikers are becoming rarer.

“There’s still a place in the Championship for all of those options in the forward areas. But the more you’ve got to your game the better, when you’re a striker.”

Rowett has also praised Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw and admitted the striker is someone he feels he can “trust” to lead the line.

Bradshaw’s double against Stoke last weekend were the first time the striker had found the net since May.

He also had a barren run before that.

On-loan Stoke striker Afobe has started most games but Rowett feels Bradshaw has earned the right to stay in the team.

“Last season Bradders would probably be a little bit disappointed with his goals tally,” said the Lions boss. “But he’s had big chances in games. I’ve always played him in games where I need someone I can trust to do the right things. That’s a massive compliment to him.

“This season we needed more depth and attacking options in the squad. Bradders was one of six players across the front three in any of those positions.

“He’s earned his place in the team by coming back in and performing.

“Like any of those strikers, he’ll have to continue to earn it.

“But when you work that hard, it’s a nice mix to have.”