Millwall boss Gary Rowett believes Leeds United loanee Charlie Cresswell is not far from becoming a 'top player'.
Rowett has restored Cresswell to the Millwall starting XI after periods out of the side before and after the World Cup break.
Most recently, Cresswell was left on the bench for five consecutive league games in December and January respectively. This led to speculation surrounding his future, as Leeds reportedly explored the option of terminating his loan spell at The Den.
Cresswell was linked with Middlesbrough and Sunderland, while according to reports, the England under-21 international accepted a permanent deal with Coventry City, before changing his mind late in the January window.
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The defender has started five games on the bounce for the Lions, who have climbed into fifth place courtesy of a 3-2 win over Sheffield United, and a 1-1 draw against Burnley.
Rowett expects Cresswell to learn from his spells out of the side, and has tipped the 20-year-old to become a top player.
“It’s like anything. You’ve got to learn from those situations. He’ll probably look back on it and probably not take the risk," Rowett told Football League World.
“The key for me is that I think he’s been outstanding. If you’re not playing well and you make those types of mistakes then it’s obviously a little bit harder to stay in the team.
“For me, he’s been outstanding. The last two or three games, he’s shown a different side to his game. He’s shown a real calm authority and a consistency to his performances.
“I think I’ve said it all the way through, he’s going to be a top player but he’s not far off that now.”
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