Millwall boss has praise for goalscorer Josh Coburn as he talks about frontline starting dilemma

Alex Neil spoke of his delight for Josh Coburn after the 22-year-old Millwall loanee scored the winner for the second successive Championship away game.

The Lions came from 1-0 down to secure a 2-1 win at Watford and are seven points adrift of the play-off places.

The Lions head coach has rotated Mihailo Ivanovic and Coburn since he has had both available and admitted that the choice was difficult on which to pick to lead the line at Vicarage Road.

“It was a hard decision today,” said Neil. “I feel like I need to give Josh minutes to get him up to speed, also, we want to keep Josh here beyond where we are just now.

“I think that’s important that we have good options at the top of the pitch.

“The two strikers have been excellent for me since I’ve been here and it’s just making sure that I split the game time. If I need to play two, I’ll play two. He was excellent, particularly in the second half.”

Speaking of Coburn’s winner, Neil added: “Brilliant. We had one in the last game at home. Tristan got to the byline we are three v two in the box at the back post, we spoke about it all week, and on this occasion he beats the first man and the goal is a consequence of that.”

Coburn’s decisive goal came after Casper De Norre had equalised for Millwall, who were very much second best in the first half and were fortunate not to find themselves further behind.

Tactical changes at the break brought the Lions back into the contest and the momentum swung after the Belgain’s equaliser.

“That goal was the crucial goal, it gave us a bit of a leg in the game,” said Neil. “What it did do as well was get the crowd here a little bit edgy. There is nothing worse for them that their team was so dominant in the first half and suddenly it’s one each and the game is in the balance again.

“More importantly, we were on top. They struggled to get the ball moving and that transpired on to the pitch. That was the vital goal, in terms of getting ourselves back in the game.”