This Millwall player has trained so well that Gary Rowett admits he had to find a role to give him minutes

Billy Mitchell’s work ethic since Millwall resumed training has made manager Gary Rowett find a way to give him minutes.

The 19-year-old central midfielder replaced Mahlon Romeo in the 76th minute of Friday’s 1-0 derby win at Charlton.

Mitchell played right-sided wing-back in the closing stages.

“It’s almost trying to find an outlet for his energy,” said Rowett. “He has been so energetic – he’s probably been one of our best trainers since we came back, almost forced me to play him somewhere on the pitch.

“At right wing-back he showed incredible desire to get up and down the pitch, although tactically he’s not overly familiar with some aspects of it.”

Mitchell has clocked up 26 minutes of Championship football this season but has played every minute for the club in their cup competitions.

“Mahlon has had a groin issue which late in games has stiffened up and he’s struggled to get forward in the last 10 minutes,” said Rowett. “If we lose by having Billy at right wing-back, then so be it. He deserves the chance.

“He is a player who knows all about these [derby] games. He did really well when he came on and got us higher up the pitch.”

PHOTO BY BRIAN TONKS