Sheyi Ojo has told millwallfc.co.uk that Lions boss Gary Rowett told the Liverpool winger he wanted to give him a platform to express his potential before joining Millwall on loan.
The Championship side hired the 24-year-old from the Reds right at the end of Deadline Day on Tuesday night. He became their sixth signing of the summer market, and will spend the season at The Den.
Millwall have opened the campaign with a win over League One play-off winners Blackpool following two draws and two defeats. The three points moved them up to 17th, but already trail table-topping duo Fulham and West Brom by eight points.
Ojo will hope to make an impression at Millwall before returning to Liverpool with a year remaining on his contract. The former England U21 star made the last of his 13 first-team appearances for the Reds in January 2017.
Rowett is prepared to afford Ojo chances to show Liverpool and Millwall what he is capable of this season, too. With the forward reflecting on the discussion they had before Tuesday.
“I’ve spoken to the gaffer briefly and he has said positive things,” Ojo said. “So, it’s been a good day and I’m looking forward to it. We spoke on the phone [before the move] and he said he really likes me as a player, and has watched me for a couple of years now.
“He said he wants to give me the platform to express myself, and show what I can do. The most important thing for me is to play football and show what I can do. I’m thankful to Millwall, who have given me the platform to do that.”
Ojo needs big Millwall showing to impress Liverpool
Since facing Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup for his last Liverpool appearance, Ojo has spent time on loan at Fulham, Stade Reims, Rangers and Cardiff, but still needs a successful spell at Millwall to show Jurgen Klopp that he deserves to have a long-term future at Anfield.
Ojo will return to Merseyside with 12-months left on his contract, so will either be sold or given new terms. Currently, the former of those options is most likely, after Klopp again chose to send him away this summer.
Even though Ojo offered Cardiff five goals and seven assists in 41 Championship games last term. Enough to help the Bluebirds end the season in eighth, nine points outside the play-off places. And six points clear of Millwall, who will hope he offers a similar impact.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
