Millwall defender Cooper not yet ruled out for return to The Den for Caraboa Cup against Portsmouth tomorrow

Millwall defender Jake Cooper is hoping to play a part when fans return to The Den tomorrow.

The centre-back is hoping a back issue will straighten out in time for the home Caraboa Cup tie against Portsmouth – as thousands of supporters are expected to come back to SE16 for the game.

The 26-year-old has been rehabbing a dislocated shoulder injury towards the end of last season, but could not take part in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at QPR because of the back problem. He has had an anti-inflammatory injection, but it did not work quickly enough for the season opener.

Boss Gary Rowett said: “Coops wants to train so we wouldn’t rule it out.

“He will certainly want to be available – but I think it is unlikely he will play.

“We have to be sensible.

“I will probably find it hard to name him for the squad. We might have to wait another 24 hours before making a decision, to see how he reacts to training.

“He felt good after the injection – it feels a lot freer, he said. We did not want it to become chronic, so that was good to hear.”