‘Unfortunate’ – Gary Rowett assesses Leeds loanee’s Millwall spell

Gary Rowett believes that Leeds United loanee Jamie Shackleton has been ‘very unfortunate’ during his spell with Millwall.

The 23-year-old has played 35 times for the Lions since joining on a season-long loan from Leeds in the summer window.

Shackleton has featured in the right-midfield role in a back three and as a central defensive midfielder this season for the South Londoners.

However, he has failed to start in the last 10 Championship outings and has been kept on the bench in the games against Birmingham and Wigan.

“He’s a great lad,” Rowett told the South London Press.

“He’s a very, very good player. He’s been unfortunate as we recruited for a 5-3-2 predominantly this season. We were looking for a little bit of different energy in midfield.

“He can play right-wing back or one of those positions in the middle, so having changed to a four at the back it’s limited his opportunities.

“He got back in the team and did really, really well. But was then ill. He’s been very unfortunate.

“It’s no fault of his own that he hasn’t started for the last period. He’s certainly one that will come into my thoughts for the last couple of games.

“He might come in, add a little bit of spark and be determined to do well in the last few games.

“We will see, but he’s a really good lad who has been unlucky this year.

“I appreciate he’s probably sat there at the minute with the loan not quite being what he had hoped it would be.

“But that’s football. There isn’t much you can do – you can’t keep everybody happy, unfortunately. He’s a really good player and character.”