Millwall boss Gary Rowett admits his side’s 4-3 defeat against Rovers on the final day was tough to take.

The hosts led 3-1 at the break despite Adam Wharton’s goal, but Rovers produced a spirited comeback in the second half. Ben Brereton bagged a brace on his last appearance for the club, with Joe Rankin-Costello also getting on the scoresheet.

The result saw Millwall drop out of the top six, while Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men only missed out on goal difference.

“First half, I think we started pretty well,” said Rowett. “We were aggressive but patient, and I think that was really important.

“We held our shape really well. Blackburn want to keep the ball and drag you around. They scored some very, very good goals.

“We went in at half-time 3-1 up. I felt that the second half needed to be calm, controlled and disciplined.

“We didn’t need to go chasing, we didn’t need to open ourselves up. What we needed to do is not make mistakes.

“As soon as the second goal went in, you could see the nerves in the team. That little bit of space just opened up everywhere.

“Because Blackburn needed to win, they were able to play with a little more freedom, go more attacking with numbers and we had to go and deal with that defensively.”

Luton and Middlesbrough had already secured play-off places, while Coventry and Sunderland complete the top six.

“That was the disappointment. The goals were good strikes, but we’re disappointed that they scored from those positions,” Rowett continued.”

“We didn’t get out to the ball quickly enough and we conceded from those areas. But that’s the game, you’ve got to go and handle those big moments.

“Even at half-time, you could be 4-0 or 5-0 up, you’ve got to go and handle it, you’ve got to go and do the right things.

“You have to show an element of control and calmness, and that was certainly something that we needed to do a little bit better.”

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