Millwall defender makes playing admission as he refuses to get carried away by impressive start to Championship season

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Murray Wallace reckons that Millwall have the strongest squad since he has been in SE16 – and the Scot has experienced the increased battle for a starting berth.

The 27-year-old Glaswegian played 43 Championship games last season, starting 38 of those, and totted up another four outings in the cup competitions.

But Wallace had only played 25 minutes of league football this season before being drafted in for the victories over Wycombe and Luton this week.

Scott Malone, snapped up on loan from Derby County, is another option for Lions boss Gary Rowett on the left of his backline.

Asked about his own opening to the campaign, Wallace said: “It’s been okay. I’d have liked to have played every game – that’s just me. But we’ve started the season strongly. I’m happy to be in playing the last couple of games.

“We’ve got a strong squad – it’s probably the best since I’ve been here in terms of depth.

“It’s obviously disappointing when you aren’t starting. Every player is so competitive, so you’re going to be upset if you’re not. But you’ve got to look at the bigger picture.

“It’s such a busy schedule this season – we’re going to have to use all the squad a lot.”

Millwall’s only Championship loss has come at the hands of Swansea City, who reached the play-offs last time around.

Wallace was an unused sub in Wales but a six-point return following that has pushed the South Londoners amongst the early frontrunners.

Millwall are five points behind surprise league leaders Reading. The Royals are unbeaten and have won five of their opening six matches.

Asked if he dreams of promotion to the Premier League, Wallace replied: “Of course, all the time – especially at the start of a season when everyone is level. We’ll aim as high as possible, you wouldn’t be a footballer if you didn’t think like that.

“It’s nice to be high up the table but it’s so early on I don’t think we can get too carried away or excited.”