Alex Neil explains Millwall keeper change in Pompey loss.

Alex Neil addressed his choice to start Anthony Patterson in Millwall’s 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday.

Patterson was largely blameless on his debut, as the Lions allowed three bad goals, including an excellent save in the 67th minute to push Ebou Adams’ header over the crossbar.

The 25-year-old joined the Lions on loan from Sunderland for the remainder of the season in the final days of the January transfer window. He had been the Black Cats’ first-choice keeper throughout their 2024-25 promotion campaign, but was replaced by summer acquisition Robin Roefs, who started just one cup game before moving on loan to SE16.

Neil chose Max Crocombe for the last two games, citing the need to ease Patterson in owing to his lack first-team experience. Crocombe began the season as the Lions’ backup keeper but took over the starting spot in mid-October after Steven Benda sustained a groin injury. Crocombe has made 23 league appearances in his first season in the Championship, maintaining nine clean sheets and possessing a league-high save percentage of 75.7 (minimum 300 minutes played).

Neil was asked by NewsAtDen if Patterson had always been expected to start against Pompey.

“Not really,” Neil replied. “We had our last game against Sheffield Wednesday.” I could easily have flipped it then. Obviously, Max made a mistake in the past game.

“But what I do believe is that we have thirteen games left, and if something happens to Max, whether it’s today, the next game, or whatever, we’ll put whoever is in goal a little cold at that point.” We still have thirteen games to go. I understand that right now, every moment feels like a cup final. We still have a long season ahead of us. Before today, we had less than a third of the season left.

“I need to see where everyone is. I have done the same with Barry [Bannan]. I then gave Tom Watson a start today, because I need to see what they can accomplish for us. It’s simple to watch in training. It’s noticeable in the real material. We need to know where everyone will be for the run-in. I felt sad for Patter because I didn’t think he was the problem, if that makes sense.

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