Millwall manager makes his stance clear towards Portsmouth favourite Ben Thompson

Pompey were keen to bring the midfielder back to the south coast in the summer but just missed out on a move.

The Blues continued to keep tabs on Thompson between transfer windows as he struggled for game-time during the first half of the campaign.

However, the Sidcup-born ace – who scored three goals in 27 appearances during his loan spell at Fratton Park in the 2018-19 season – has recently won a place in the Lions’ side.

He’s started the past four games after holding talks with Gary Rowett regarding his lack of action.

The Lions boss revealed Thompson has never wanted to leave his boyhood club Millwall – and will be staying put.

Rowett told the South London Press: ‘He is certainly not going to be going out in this window. He is a player we always wanted to keep in the building.

‘I’ve had a couple of really good meetings with Thommo. He is desperate to play football. When he is on the pitch he wants to win and also win tackles, he loves that side of the game.

‘He has started our last four matches [including the FA Cup] and that’s because I’ve felt we have lacked a little bit on the combative side and that really wanting to win for Millwall, that little extra pride that comes with it.

‘All through the process Thommo has been pretty adamant he wanted to play for Millwall and didn’t want to leave. But, like anyone, if the opportunity is not there you are always going to look at something else more regular.

‘He has come back in and I’ve been really pleased with what he has done in the last four games. Thommo knows what I want from him in terms of playing as an eight for us.

‘If he is playing in that midfield three then he is the one who is allowed to bomb forwards and lose his shape. We need him to start creating and scoring goals. That’s the position and he is keen to do that.’

Pompey have bolstered their midfield options in January by recruiting Harvey White and George Byers on loan from Tottenham and Swansea respectively.

Meanwhile, Bryn Morris was granted a departure to Northampton.

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