TV spotlight gives Millwall’s players extra motivation to impress at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light

Gary Rowett reckons the fact that Millwall will be the only televised domestic football fix tomorrow can act as extra motivational fuel.

The Lions’ lunchtime trip to Sunderland has been selected for Sky Sports coverage.

The two clubs slotted the fixture in a week earlier than the rest of England’s second tier, who resume on December 10. The match was originally due to take place in September but was postponed after Queen Elizabeth II passed away.

Millwall’s match will be finished before the World Cup last-16 tie between USA and Netherlands kicks off at 3pm.

“It’s good motivation for the players on top of the usual motivation, which is to keep the unbeaten run going and get the three points,” said Lions boss Rowett.

“You have got eyes on you and players are aware of that. Players usually have that little bit more zip around their performance.

“Absolutely no excuses. We have prepared well and we haven’t had lots of games around it. We’ve got to go there and see if we can get back into the swing of things, quickly and effectively.”

Rowett opted to keep his squad in the UK during the shutdown and they played a Den friendly last weekend against Brondby.

Sunderland returned earlier this week from a training camp in Dubai.

“I’m hoping some of our players haven’t seen that because we’ve had cold weather training,” said Rowett.

“I’ve found it is very hard to get good, quality work in and the right type of games. We’ve stayed behind in the freezing cold and the rain – hopefully that stands us in good stead travelling up to the North East!”