‘I have it all’ – Millwall boss has striker options dilemma after two players return to selection

Millwall boss Neil Harris says he now has the ability to adapt his side during a game after welcoming back strikers Tom Bradshaw and Josh Coburn from injury.

The returning duo started the 1-1 draw at Stoke before the international break, with Middlesbrough loanee Coburn, who had been out with a calf injury, netting in the 42nd minute.

Bradshaw made his first start after recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered in EFL Cup defeat to Leyton Orient in August but only played the first 45 minutes at the Bet 365 Stadium before being replaced by George Honeyman.

Summer signings Macaulay Langstaff and Mihailo Ivanovic have both started up front under Harris and have scored in the Championship.

“It’s really positive,” said Harris.

“It’s great for me to have options from the starting 11 or off the bench. 

“There have been a lot of players who have been mainstays in the team since the start of the season and there have been reasons for that.

“Firstly, because individually, they have been in really good form and the team has been in really good form. Also because of not having many options to change the starting 11 or those off the bench. 

“Now I have it all. I have to be honest, if you look at the strikers coming back to fitness, some aren’t at full fitness, but they’re getting there.

“All four of those strikers are getting on the scoresheet. George Honeyman has played as the 10 in every game barring Stoke away last time out.

“He’s played extremely well and been the bedrock of pretty much everything we’ve done without the ball so far.

“You can put him into that category with the other nines as well. I have options in those positions at the moment. 

“It’s whether I want to play with a nine and have a different context with that. Whether it be Josh Coburn slightly more as a target man-type or Mihailo. Or whether that’s with a Macaulay Langstaff or Tom Bradshaw. 

“Or George Honeyman then as a 10 or as one of the two nines.

“It’s a great position for me to be in. We can adapt in game and that’s where we want it to be.

“I want tough decisions to make.”

Ivanovic, 19, made his senior debut for the Serbian national side on Monday evening during their Nations League goalless draw against Denmark.

“I’m delighted for him and his family as well,” said Harris.

“What a whirlwind few months for Mihailo. To move to a different country for a huge transfer fee. 

“Then being called up to his first squad with the national team and then make his dull debut – it’s amazing.

“I’m so pleased for him. There was a real buzz about the boy when he came in today. 

“I made sure I bought it up in front of the group and he got a lovely ovation from everybody.”