Millwall man unlikely to return for Brentford clash

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Shaun Hutchinson looks unlikely to be back available for Millwall’s game tomorrow at home against Brentford.

The centre-back has missed the last three matches due to an illness, even initially spending time in hospital.

The former Fulham and Motherwell defender has lost his first-team berth to Derby County loanee Alex Pearce. But Lions boss Neil Harris admitted that Hutchinson would have been the most likely starter – if fit – when he switched to a 3-5-2 formation for last weekend’s game at Sheffield United.

Instead it saw Conor McLaughlin get his first appearance at club level since November.

“Hutch probably still is not ready for this weekend,” said Harris. “He is back in the building but has lost a lot of weight and we’ve got to try and get him back up to speed.

“He’s had a real couple of bad weeks. Trying to get him up to speed is our aim.

“We’ll give him every opportunity to be involved this weekend, but it might be too soon for him.”