MILLWALL had to change their tactics for Monday’s defeat to Blackburn Rovers after losing Ryan Leonard to injury.
The versatile midfielder returned to the starting lineup for the Lions’ win at Blackpool, playing as a right centre-back as Gary Rowett reverted to a back five after a string of poor results.
The impressive performance at Bloomfield Road led to Millwall winning the match 3-2, with supporters expecting the manager to stick with the same team that relegated the Tangerines at the end of April.
However, Leonard suffered another injury to his groin in the buildup to Monday’s Championship finale, ruling him out of the game.
As a result, Rowett admitted that he had to move back to the 4-2-3-1 formation that his side have played throughout the majority of the season, giving them limited defensive options on the bench.
“Lenny felt his groin,” he revealed. “He’ll be out for seven to ten days, but in a game like this, it meant that we had no alternative other than changing to a back four.
“We had Shacks [Jamie Shackleton] on the bench but I didn’t think he was right. I was concerned about putting him on with his foot being a problem.
“He should’ve been out for three or four weeks but he put himself forward, he wanted to play. I think that’s incredible toughness to want to go and do that, but you’ve got to be sure.”
Photo: Millwall FC
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