GEORGE Alexander hit a double for Millwall’s under-23s on Monday – and Gary Rowett feels he can make the step-up to the first team squad if he becomes physically stronger.
Kevin Nugent’s young Lions defeated Cardiff 3-0, with Isaac Olaofe also on target, and they remain in the top two of the South section of the Professional Development League.
Alexander made his full Millwall debut on the last day of last season against Wigan but has yet to add to that senior appearance.
Rowett explained why it was decided to keep Alexander at the club rather than send him out on loan in January.
“When you speak to the under-23 staff, George is scoring goals at that level and he’s got a real eye for scoring goals, but their feeling at the moment is from a physicality perspective if he was to go out on loan to the lower league it’s not necessarily going to help that straightaway,” Rowett said.
“He’s developing really well where he is. I don’t think it’s going to be that long until he gets some involvement with the first team.
“At the same time, it’s a difficult balance. Is his all-round game good enough to get him up to our level at the moment? I’m pretty sure it will be at some point, it’s just that physical side of it we’re trying to develop that little bit more.
“But he’s doing really well and he’s doing his job in terms of scoring those goals. Long may that continue because that’s all he can do.”
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