“A very intelligent player” – Gary Rowett shares glowing verdict on Millwall defender

Gary Rowett has heaped his praise on Daniel Ballard, following the on-loan Arsenal defender’s display against Middlesbrough on Saturday, during a conversation with News at Den. 

Millwall extended their unbeaten run to seven during their goalless draw at home to Middlesbrough, with the Lions three points shy of the Championship play-off positions. 

Ballard, 22, was a worry going into Saturday’s clash, with the defender limping off against Blackburn Rovers during last week. 

Appearing 23 times in the league for the Lions this season, Ballard has been an integral member of the starting XI when available. 

Speaking to News at Den about Ballard after Saturday’s draw, Rowett said: “He’s an incredibly professional lad.

“It was a combination really of the fact he desperately wanted to play and the fact that his injury wasn’t that serious. He’s had them before and they’ve always healed quite quickly.

“We probably wouldn’t have put him back in today but yesterday he was saying he couldn’t feel anything, said he felt absolutely fine.

“We went through some slow steps to see if he was okay. Arsenal were happy for him to be involved so I’m glad he got through it.

“Dan is a very competitive centre-half, that’s why we’re a good fit for him. For him, it’s continuing to learn those little nuances of where and when to go tight.

“In a three [in the centre of defence], you saw it second half, we had an opportunity to go and step and [for him to] show he’s a good a good footballer as well and has a good range of passes when he steps in.

“He can show that other side to his game but he’s been very good for us so far. We do our diligence on any player we bring in and I think with Dan he’s shown that at each level he’s played [ that he’s