Gary Rowett provides insight into Millwall positional conundrum ahead of Blackburn visit | OneFootball

Bartosz Bialkowski has firmly held down the number one spot at Millwall since his arrival during the 2019/20 campaign from Ipswich Town.

The 35-year-old has been excellent for the Lions for the most part and has kept 50 clean sheets in just over 150 matches.

Starting his side’s first nine games of the new campaign, Bialkowski’s deputy George Long was handed a start during Millwall’s 2-1 victory over Blackpool before the international break.

It remains to be seen how the goalkeeping situation will play out as the rest of the campaign progresses, but speaking about it all, Gary Rowett told Southwark News: “I don’t think it’s been an open position.

“I think Bart’s played for three years, he’s been the first choice for three years. His form and everything else has dictated that and earned him the right.

“In the last game, I thought George deserved an opportunity to show what he can do. He worked incredibly hard, like I spoke about, and I decided to pick him for the game. That’s probably as much information as I can give at the moment.

“Bart’s a really popular member of the squad, he’s a great guy. I spoke to him at length and I think, while he was disappointed last weekend, he understands that Longy has sat there for eighteen months, working hard and preparing for games every Saturday while not having that opportunity.

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“I felt that the time had come to give him a chance to show what he can do, that was it really.”

The verdict

This is likely to be an interesting battle as the season progresses, with both goalkeepers displaying that they are of good quality at Championship level.

This is an excellent position for Rowett to be in, as he will have the utmost faith in his two goalkeeping options, with Long’s recent appearance likely to drive competition levels higher.

Rowett has shared lots of praise for Long whilst he was not seeing any game time in the league, so, it is no surprise that he has earned his chance.

Acquitting himself well against the Seasiders, Long has every chance of starting once more.