The midfielder has moved to The Den on a month's loan from London rivals QPR.
Lions boss Kenny Jackett swooped for the experienced Irishman after learning Jimmy Abdou is facing a spell on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury which could keep him out until mid-April.
Rowlands, Arsenal loanee Craig Eastmond or Tamika Mkandawire will replace Abdou in the centre.
Striker Josh McQuoid could return to the squad following an ankle injury which has kept him out since January.
But Lions stalwart Neil Harris may start alongside top scorer Steve Morison in attack after grabbing his second goal in two games as a substitute against Reading in midweek.
Source: PA
Source: PA