Former Fulham man helping Millwall’s Danny McNamara improve his game

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Danny McNamara is picking the brains of new Millwall signing Joe Bryan in order to improve his own game.

The Lions secured Bryan’s signature over the summer, with the left-back starting the first two outings of the Championship campaign.

Bryan has played in the Premier League and won promotion from the Championship twice with Fulham during his time at Craven Cottage.

The 29-year-old also scored both goals – including a spectacular free-kick – in the 2-1 Championship play-off final win over Brentford in 2020.

Right wing-back McNamara, 24, plays on the oppositive flank to Bryan.

“I try and learn from him as much as I can,” McNamara told the South London Press of his defensive counterpart. “I want to pick his brains. He’s played in the Premier League and at the highest level, so I try and learn as much as I can from him.

“As soon as he came in during pre-season, we had never spoken before, but he was instantly helping me with my game. He had watched a bit of my game and was telling me what I could do better. That helps massively, to have that guy on the other side of the pitch. I can learn from him as much as I can and want to take this into this season.

“I’m the most critical person there is. I know I need to get more goals and assists – that’s something I will keep working on to add to my game.

“I want to create as much as I can and give as much to the team as possible.

“You look at players like Reece James, he’s playing in the wing-back role, and the way he delivers the ball is unbelievable. I like watching Kieran Trippier as well. These are players I watch in the Premier League – I’m striving to be like that.”

The Lions academy graduate made his 100th competitive appearance for the club at the start of the season in the 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough.

“I was buzzing,” admitted the Sidcup-born defender.

“For me to come back from a loan at St Johnstone two-and-a-half years ago, and now I can say I have made 100 appearances for my club is a true honour.

“It was a special moment for me and my family.

“Even coming in against Boreham Wood [for his debut] was such a special moment. All my mates were watching – and my family too.

“It seems so long ago since the debut but it’s been a hell of a ride so far – long may it continue.

“I can’t thank the gaffer and the staff enough for giving me the opportunity.”

So with 100 appearances under his belt, which game sticks out best in McNamara’s mind?

“In my 50th appearance against Barnsley, I scored two goals. You couldn’t write it – 50 appearances and to score two goals.  I didn’t score all season, so to score two was madness.

“That was an occasion I look back and think ‘that was one of my highs’.

“I want to try to reach another 100. I want to play as many games as I can and try to take this club as far as possible. I want to see myself as a more experienced leader who can help the younger lads coming through. I just want to achieve as much as I can this season.”

McNamara, who has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U19 level, was called up after the end of Millwall’s season to a senior 22-player training camp to begin preparations ahead of upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar.

“It was a great experience,” he said.

“Just to be around the squad and be around the manager.

“I learned as much as I could off the lads – the tempo of the training sessions and the intensity.

“It’s international football – you’re playing with the best of that category. It will only develop me.  Hopefully I can push to get into the next international squad.

“To get into the senior team is a target for me. I want to show [Ireland boss] Stephen Kenny that he can trust me and can call me up to each international break.”

The Lions kicked off their season with a win up at Middlesbrough, who finished inside the play-off places last year, thanks to Romain Esse’s first goal in senior football.

But Gary Rowett’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bristol City last time out, with the Robins scoring a 94th-minute clincher at The Den.

“It’s mixed emotions,” said McNamara, assessing the start of the new Championship year.

“We started the season so well but we did not produce our best performance on Saturday.

“We were on such a high from the Boro game, to produce so many chances and to play so well, then to come up against Bristol on Saturday and not create too much, it was a bit of a downer. But we will go out there this Sunday and try to put it right.

“We know it will be a tough season and there are tough teams in this league. But every year, there is no game where you go: ‘We can’t go and beat them’. Every game is tough this year. We will go out there and try and give it our best shot.”

Four new players have been added to the squad this summer, with Kevin Nisbet, Casper de Norre, Wes Harding and Matija Sarkic all signing on permanent deals.

Millwall head to Norwich this Sunday, looking to get back to winning way.

“We’re still learning from each other,” said McNamara. “It’s down to us to bounce back from the negative performance against Bristol City. We’ll go there on Sunday and show what we’re about.”