What is Ben Thompson’s situation at Millwall? Lions chief answers question on midfielder’s lack of game time

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has praised the professionalism of Ben Thompson – with the Millwall midfielder struggling to get any kind of action in the Championship this season.

The Lions youth product has come on just once in the league, and even then as an 89th minute substitute. Thompson has not made the last five matchday squads and was an unused substitute in the two fixtures before that.

He could be set to return to the first-team fold this weekend with George Saville suspended after collecting five bookings.

Millwall were understood to be receptive to offers in the summer transfer window but a move for the 26-year-old failed to materialise. Thompson is out of contract at the start of July.

“First and foremost he loves the club and desperately wants to play lots of minutes,” Rowett told the South London Press. “Sometimes that is not always possible. We have got lots of players in and around those positions. Long term that is probably something we look at.

“He has trained really well. He’s asked to play in some U23 games to maintain his fitness. When you are not playing in the first-team that shows real good character and a real good personality. He’ll be ready whenever he is chosen.

“We have probably got 22 players who could play in our first team and therefore not everyone is going to get the minutes they want. I’ve had a good conversation with Thommo, we know where we are.”