ADAM Barrett has explained why he deployed Brooke Norton-Cuffy higher up the pitch against Watford.
Millwall drew 2-2 at Vicarage Road on Saturday as they went with a back four away from home for the first time since their 3-1 loss at Norwich in August.
The tactical shift saw Danny McNamara come in at right back while Norton-Cuffy, who has often played as a right wing-back in a back three formation, played in a more advanced right midfield position.
The Arsenal loanee had his hands full in the first half with winger Ken Sema and the underlapping full-back Jamal Lewis pushing him and McNamara back.
But in the second half Norton-Cuffy found more space going forward and pulled off a dazzling run into the box which presented an opportunity for Ryan Longman.
Reflecting on his tactical switch, caretaker manager Barrett said: “Brooke’s been excellent for us since he’s come through the door. Danny Mac’s been chomping at the bit, really hungry to come back in, and I think defensively Danny’s very strong and Brooke’s been really good attacking. It was just to push Brooke further forward, he’s played there before, very comfortable.
“I thought he come into it more second half when he had the opportunity to get at them and run at them and he’s a threat when he does that. And I’m hoping with the more work we do that he’ll improve in that area as well.”