Gary Rowett has heaped praise on Millwall right-back Mahlon Romeo and "genuinely" believes that the Lions defender is good enough to become a future Premier League player.

The 24-year-old, who signed a new long-term contract at The Den on Monday, has been one of the Lions' most consistent performers this term and has been in excellent form since the arrival of Rowett - starting all 22 Championship matches since his appointment in late-October.

Romeo is yet to attract attention from topflight sides like teammates Jake Cooper and Jed Wallace, but Rowett reckons the time could come soon if the full-back continues to improve.

"I think he could get a lot better, I have spoken to him about it," Rowett told the club's official website. "For me, he could be a Premier League right-back and that's not me just saying that to him, I genuinely believe it.

"I think the difference is just that last little bit of defensive mentality sometimes, because when he goes forward he does it so well and sometimes it's just making sure he gets back just as quick as he gets forward and does his job covering his centre-halves and covering that back-post.

"I know it's something he wants to get better at and working hard on. He's 24 and a young player and I think he's got huge potential."

The Verdict

There's no doubt about it, Romeo certainly has all the attributes to one day succeed in the topflight. The attacking side of his game has never come into question, although he's only registered one league assist this term which suggests differently, but once Romeo continues to show improvements defensively, then Premier League sides will sure come knocking.