“We have to find 15 goals from somewhere” – Millwall boss Rowett provides insight on scoring challenge

Gary Rowett reckons his Millwall side are about 15 goals shy of the total they needed this season – with Ryan Leonard one of those challenged to chip in with more.

The club record signing produced a superb 30-yard strike which proved to be the winner at Hull City on Saturday.

It was only Leonard’s third goal since signing from Sheffield United in August 2018 and first since a 4-3 defeat at Norwich in November of the same year.

“He’s got a great strike,” said Rowett. “You see it in training.

“I know it’s a lot easier in training to hit things early and not worry if you miss. It’s that fear of failure.

“I played a Southend side for Burton in the play-offs one year and Lenny scored against us. He’s scored goals from midfield in his earlier playing days as well. It’s something he’s capable of.

“It’s a big thing for us. If you look at how we improve from what we’ve done so far, the obvious thing is that we’re 15 goals short of where we ideally need to be.

“We have to find 15 goals from somewhere – whether that is one of the wing-backs chipping in with two or three each, a midfielder chipping in with goals, Coops or Pearcey chipping in with more goals or bringing in strikers who can be more of a goal threat.

“Either way you have to find them from everywhere.

“Lenny is one of those who is capable of adding five or six goals from that midfield area. You’ve seen Willo score a couple this season just from taking a chance with a shot from the edge of the box.

“It’s something we’d like him [Leonard] to show what he can do – you saw it was a great strike.”

MAIN PHOTO: BRIAN TONKS        INSET PHOTO: SEAN GOSLING