Millwall have recalled Hayden Muller from St Johnstone according to NewsAtDen.

The 19-year-old made seven starts in the Scottish Premiership this season and has a point to prove at The Den with his contract up at the end of the season.

Muller could bolster the central defensive options available to Gary Rowett in the short term as the Lions look to reduce the gap between themselves and the play-off places.

Muller had lost his place in the side at St Johnstone in the last month or so which may have prompted the recall, and NewsAtDen believe that an alternative loan destination is more likely than the centre back sticking around in South London for the second half of the campaign.

With Rowett typically deploying a three at the back formation, there is a lot more room for centre backs in assembling a deep squad, however, with Muller's contract situation it is certainly in his best interests to be out gaining admirers for future destinations as the clock ticks down.

Alex Pearce and Murray Wallace are both out of contract at the end of the season and therefore it is likely that defensive reinforcements will be targeted in the summer.

The Verdict

If Muller can have a positive loan spell, where he plays more regularly than he did at St Johnstone, in the second half of the season, then there may be a chance that he is involved with the first team in pre-season.

Looking at asset management, it would be sensible to offer Muller an extension to at least allow the club to monitor his development for another couple of years before deciding what the best course of action is.

Centre back's typically develop slower and peak later in their careers compared to players in other positions. With that in mind, Muller is ahead of the curve at 19 and will be an attractive proposition for League One or Two clubs in the January transfer window.