Millwall boss Harris: Jed Wallace’s fight for game time underlines West Brom’s wealth of attacking options
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Millwall head coach Neil Harris reckons Jed Wallace’s battle for minutes at West Brom this season underlines the strength in depth of their opponents on Saturday.
The Lions head to The Hawthorns looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat at Championship strugglers Cardiff City in midweek.
West Brom had won four in a row before successive league reverses.
Former Den favourite Wallace, 30, had not started a fixture for the Baggies this season – despite being their club captain – before their 1-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.
“They are a top-six side and the squad they have got is ridiculous for the Championship,” Harris told the South London Press. “I certainly think it is one of the strongest in the division – especially at the top end of the pitch.
“They have got two players for every position that comfortably get in most Championship teams.
“Jed Wallace has started one game this season – that’s how good they have been at the top end of the pitch.
“We know the intent they have got, especially playing at home. We know the challenge that awaits us and we have to make sure we have a better mentality than we had on Tuesday night at Cardiff. I expect a reaction from my players.”
Wallace snubbed a new deal at Millwall to leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
The winger scored 44 goals in 260 matches for the Lions.
Wallace recently said he was prepared to play any role required if it meant Carlos Corberan’s side reached the Premier League.
Harris said: “They have got Tom Fellows, Karlan Grant, Josh Maja, Grady Diangana and Michael Johnson – before you throw Jed into the mix! They have got some really big threats.
“Our defensive shape and one-v-one defending of our box has to be at its very best.
“But we know we have got the ability to hurt our opponent as well.
“I wasn’t surprised to see Jed’s comments. As captain of the football club he has obviously matured into a real leader. He is a top, top Championship professional and performer.
“Jed, if called upon, will be at his very best, as always. But if not then he will be a great supporting act. He will show real leadership qualities in the changing room.”
Millwall club captain Shaun Hutchinson will miss the fixture after tweaking his hamstring and is set to be absent for a few weeks.
The Lions will also be without Billy Mitchell, Josh Coburn, Tom Bradshaw, Calum Scanlon and Adam Mayor due to injury. Aidomo Emakhu is suspended for his red card against Preston on Saturday.
Former Morecambe winger Mayor, 19, is the only player that Harris feels has a chance of being back available after the two-week international break, which follows the West Brom game.
Millwall opted not to appeal Emakhu’s dismissal for reacting to provocation from North End’s Robbie Brady. The Irish youngster will complete his three-game ban against Swansea on October 26.
PICTURE: PA