Gary Rowett believes Zian Flemming can turn Millwall into genuine promotion contenders after the Lions secured a crucial 2-1 win over Blackpool at The Den.
Dutch striker Flemming, who joined the club from Fortuna Sittard in the summer, opened the scoring in the first half before Benik Afobe netted the winner for the hosts.
Charlie Patino, on loan from Arsenal, had equalized for the Tangerines but the Lions recovered from Wednesday’s loss to QPR to move two points clear of the play-off places.
Millwall have spent almost £2million on striker Flemming and boss Rowett says the sky is the limit for the 24-year-old.
He said: “When you see him in training, he can do whatever he wants.
“He’s a real talent – he’s still adapting to the league, but he’s a player who can link the game, he’s smart, strong and can direct the ball.
“He, Benik (Afobe) and George (Honeyman) combine well.”
Millwall had lost four of their last five games before the competition and Rowett is aware his side need to improve.
“I know we have more to offer, I know we can do better,” he said.
“We just need to show a little more accountability and responsibility.
“I always start with myself and what I can do best to improve myself.
“In the second half we moved the ball well, we got into good positions. We’re not in a position like some teams where we can just show up and hope individuals have the quality to win us games – we have to work hard as a team to achieve that.
The result leaves Blackpool 19th and just two points clear of the relegation zone and boss Michael Appleton said: “I can’t accuse the players of lacking character and commitment, it was there in abundance.
“It was a frustrating game but I don’t think Millwall did enough in terms of exceptional play to seize opportunities and score the goals they did.
“The biggest problem I have at the moment is that we don’t turn opportunities into chances. What I mean by that is that given the areas of the pitch we walk into and the opportunities we have to potentially set up a tap-in in front of goal, we should create more.
“We need more quality in front of goal. We have to be better.
“As long as we keep getting into the right areas, we will eventually show our quality and pick the right passes.”
