GARY Rowett was impressed by how Callum Styles played in midfield against Blackpool, but admits that the Barnsley loanee will need to improve off the ball in the coming weeks.
The Hungarian international played his first two games for the Lions as a left wing-back, but he moved up to his natural midfield role in Saturday’s 2-1 win against the Seasiders.
Rowett considers his best position to be in the middle of the park, something which Styles agrees with, although the Millwall boss has admitted that he faces a lot of competition for a place in the starting lineup given the options at his disposal.
“I thought he did really well on the ball,” Rowett said after the game.
“I thought there were some good moments, he showed some real quality. I think there was a moment in the game where it was a little bit hectic, the ball went up in the air and came down, and where you might’ve expected him to hook it on or head it forward he just brought it down, relaxed and played.
“I think with that comes one or two bits out of possession where I maybe need him to be a little more aggressive and alert, but he hasn’t played in there for a little bit. He played in there for Hungary against England, he’s a quality player, and I just felt that him and Billy [Mitchell] actually dovetailed quite well today and there were some good bits.
“I thought when Shacks [Shackleton] went in there with the three of them that they looked quite good, and Sav {Saville] has shown what a good player he is over a long period of time. We’ve got good options in there, the likes of George Evans who. I toyed with starting him today but I just felt it was maybe another game where we should go again with what we’ve got and see if it improves.
“It’s up to those players to keep doing the right things to stay or get into the team.”
Photo: Millwall FC