GARY Rowett has explained why he opted to start Duncan Watmore in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.
The 29-year-old lined-up alongside Zian Flemming and Kevin Nisbet in the Millwall attack on what was his first visit back to the Riverside Stadium since leaving Teesside in January.
Watmore delivered another impressive performance as he built on his strong pre-season showing.
But Rowett revealed the “wildcard” may not have even received the nod if not for Tom Bradshaw’s illness in the run up to the game.
He said: “I probably would have started Bradshaw if he’d been available all week. He was ill Tuesday and missed most of the week. You’re talking about our top scorer last season with 17 goals.
“I think we’ve got very good options. I certainly think Duncan finished the season really, really well and has taken that into pre-season. He’s a bit of a game-changer when he gets on form and builds that rhythm. He’s one where you almost play him as a bit of a wildcard because he has the ability to change games.”
The Lions boss also shared theory on why he thinks Flemming’s performances will improve as he reflected on his range of attacking options.
Rowett added: “We know how good Zian Flemming is. I don’t think Zi is completely fit. I think there’s different things in pre-season that made it difficult for him to be at his best but I think he’ll get better and better now.
“And Nissy is a goal scorer. He’s always looking for that little run on the last man – you saw that with the one v one and the chance just before that. He pulls away from defenders into little spaces and I actually think normally he’d probably finish both of those off because he’s a deadly finisher.
“I’m really pleased with that front three. And I think it’s important when you play that way with an extra defender the forwards give you that threat on the turnover and I thought they did that really well.”