after he signed a new contract :The 28-year-old star player has been a big part of Millwall’ defence over a number of years

GARY Rowett believes Jake Cooper is now “completely focused” after getting his contract talks out of the way.

The Millwall manager was full of praise for the defender after his brilliant performance across the back line helped the Lions beat Stoke City 1-0 yesterday.

And Rowett believes the ongoing negotiations may have affected Cooper’s focus before.

The Millwall boss said: “I thought he was immense. I think whilst players doesn’t think it does, I think it [contract talks and speculation] does detract a little bit from their performances. It does detract a little bit from their focus. I think it’s impossible not to.

“There’s been a lot of speculation this transfer window on the likes of Zian [Flemming], the likes of Coops, and of course you can’t stop that. You can’t stop three, four stories, however true they are, or not, you can’t stop it. So it’s nice to put that to bed.

“I think it was really important that one of the big players for us – in more ways than one – but a big player for us is now completely focused and hasn’t got anything else to think about other than putting big performances in.”

Rowett also reflected on Flemming’s afternoon after the midfielder produced arguably his most convincing performance so far this season.

The Millwall boss added: “I thought Zi was better as well today. I thought he looked a little bit more energetic, showed some nice moments, some nice touches. There’s a lot more to come from him. But of course he’s another one that it will be nice for him to still be here when the window shuts.