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Charlie Bennett

'Excellent' Leeds United loanee Charlie Cresswell hailed for Millwall feat by Gary Rowett

Gary Rowett has praised Charlie Cresswell after the Leeds United loanee helped keep Millwall’s Premier League dream alive. His scruffy left-footed strike from a corner early into the second half was originally given as a goal to him, only for Tom Bradshaw to later be credited for the strike that broke the deadlock as the Lions edged past Swansea City 2-1.

The Den has proven a fortress this season, with Millwall losing just three times on home soil. A promotion push was not expected at the start of the campaign but Rowett’s side are sitting fifth with nine games remaining before the play-offs.

Astonishingly, Millwall have only spent two seasons of their 138-year history in the top flight - both coming before the Premier League era. Cresswell has started the last 10 games for the Lions and could etch his name into South East London folklore by securing a top-flight return.

READ MORE: Nine-team relegation scrap sees Leeds United with different challenge from 21-22

Speaking after the Swansea win, Rowett hailed his on-loan centre-back, who is keeping club captain Shaun Hutchinson out of the team. He said: “I think he’s been excellent. To keep Hutchinson out of the team when he’s back fit, he’s done it because he’s worked so hard.

“I spoke to Hutch the other day. I think he’s been a hugely important player for us as captain for the team and for the club but, sometimes, you have to be fair to players. It’s not just about winning games - it’s about being fair to people.

“If they’re playing well, they deserve to stay in the team. That’s what keeping the shirt is all about. Cressy has done that. He’s got a knack for finding the right moment. We’ve seen that in a lot of our defenders – Hutchy did it the first season here and finished on six.

“I think Muzza (Murray Wallace) last year had about four or five. (Jake) Cooper’s been pretty consistent. Scotty (Malone), I think, had six. Cresswell is on five and that’s a lovely little knack to have.”

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