Ryan Woods was Millwall’s number one target according to manager Gary Rowett.

Woods arrived from Stoke City on loan for the rest of the season, in what was Rowett’s first signing of his Millwall reign.

Having previously worked with the midfielder during his stint at the Bet365 Stadium, Rowett admitted that landing former Brentford man was his priority during the January transfer window.

“I think he's a fantastic signing for us,” Rowett told Millwall’s club website.

“We didn't just want to go out and get anyone, we wanted it to be a right-midfielder and he was the number one target

"It's great to have him here - I know him well from working with him at Stoke.

"The beauty of bringing him in is that he's got a bit of everything.

“He can pass the ball with a bit of extra composure and technicality that we need, but he is also a feisty character and competitive - I'm sure the fans will love him.

“He brings something different to what we've got.

"He's a top midfielder in his position and he's very flexible.

“People may pigeon-hole him as a defensive midfielder in terms of playing a holding role and getting on the ball, but we've found previously that he can step in higher up the pitch and make things happen.”

News Shopper:

Woods arrived on loan in time for the weekend’s fixture against Reading, and although he has only signed for the remainder of the season, Rowett revealed there is always scope, and intention, of extending that stay.

"The plan for anyone we bring in is to look at them for the longer term,” he added.

“There is that opportunity, potentially, but the fact of the matter is that we needed to bring some extra quality into the midfield.”

READ: ‘Announce promotion’ – Lions react to Millwall’s latest signing