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.
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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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