‘It is needs-must now, but of course we have chance of play-offs’ – Millwall boss Neil not dialling down top-six talk

Alex Neil is not dialling down any talk of Millwall being play-off contenders – pointing out he would not risk using some of his players if Championship promotion hopes were over.

Camiel Neghli scored the only goal as the Lions defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 on Saturday but the club record signing sustained a hamstring injury which is set to end his campaign.

Neil also revealed that Femi Azeez was also pitched back in with more minutes than ideally desired as the South Londoners chased the victory.

The Scottish boss said: “What we do need to do is pay reference to some of the games we have got left as well – really tough matches coming up. This week has been really tough and we’ve managed to get nine points. But equally we have got some really, really tough ones.

“I still believe – of course we have got a chance. That is the whole effort we are putting in. I’m not going to risk lads who have just come back for two days if I didn’t feel we had an opportunity to be successful.

“I did it because I’m thinking it is needs-must now – next week is no good. We need to win this game to give ourselves a chance going forward.

“I always believe and I always will. I think that’s the competitiveness in you. You’ll always feel you have a shot.”