Millwall manager Gary Rowett insists he wants Alex Mitchell to remain at St Johnstone for the rest of the season.

Saints fans had been concerned that the centre-back, who has been one of the Perth side’s most consistent performers, would have his loan agreement cut short in January.

That was amid suggestions that Leeds United would recall Charlie Cresswell from his temporary stint at The Den.

Mitchell has made 15 appearances for Callum Davidson’s side so far this season and Rowett insists, barring any personnel crisis at Millwall, the 21-year-old will stay north of the border.

Rowett said: “I spoke to Callum the other day about it, our intention is that he stays there for the season.

“I can’t guarantee what’s going to happen in January, we might pick up an injury or two and it could force our hand to change that thinking.

“Our thinking at this current moment is that he’s doing really well there, he’s learning under a good manager and learning through highs and lows of a loan.

“He scored a goal against Celtic and then he got sent off a few games later. It’s those experiences where we want him to come back as a better and more rounded player.

“The intention is that he stays out there and that’s what we’ll do unless anything changes.”