‘Hugely influential’ – Millwall midfielder earns big praise from head coach Neil Harris

Millwall midfielder George Saville has been described as “hugely influential” by head coach Neil Harris.

The Northern Ireland international has made 30 appearances this season for the Lions – 29 of those in the Championship – and played every minute since Harris returned to the South Londoners.

Saturday’s 1-0 win over Watford was Saville’s 18th league start of the campaign.

Asked about the way the former Chelsea and Wolves player had embodied Millwall’s non-stop energy and desire to drive the Lions on, Harris said: “He has done for the couple of hundred times he has been on the pitch for the football club.

“I’ve only made my best guess on team selection over the last nine days and two games. I’ve only gone with a team that I feel can produce results.

“I picked the full-backs I thought were best to play against wingers. I picked the best midfield pairing I thought could epitomise what is needed now that we want to play and also for the football club – Billy Mitchell and George Saville have been excellent as a pairing. That is no slight on Casper De Norre, who has been fantastic for me in training since I’ve got here, and the moments on the pitch, or Allan Campbell, for example, or Ryan Leonard, who is a top midfield player at the level.

“Sav today was excellent with the ball and without the ball. He gave us moments of composure on the ball – to win free-kicks and make passes – but he is a Millwall player, isn’t he? He’s certainly one player who has been hugely influential in my first nine days in the building.”