‘It’s been tough’ – Middlesbrough loanee opens up on Millwall loan spell so far

Josh Coburn has admitted that his Millwall loan spell has been tough due to the injuries he has suffered this season.

The on-loan Middlesbrough striker netted the winning goal as the Lions secured their first Championship away comeback win since March 2021, also a 2-1 victory against Reading on that occasion.

It was a tough first 45 minutes for Coburn and his side at Vicarage Road with the hosts by far the better team but a second half turnaround saw Millwall secure a fifth win in their last nine away games.

“Really happy,” Coburn said. “We knew it was a tough game.

“First half, we weren’t quite at the races, but I think in the second half we showed what we are about. The pressing was really good, and we were a lot better after the break.”

Coburn’s decisive header came from his only real opportunity in the contest.

“I was in between the two centre-halves, and that was the only thing I could really do – loop it over, and luckily, it went in.

“I saw the ball come over Pollock’s head and thought: ‘This is my chance.’

“I hadn’t really had a chance all game, so I had to take it. I knew there weren’t going to be many, but thankfully, I took it.”

Coburn highlighted the physical demands of playing for Millwall and how their battling approach suits his game.

“I think that’s usually how Millwall play – battered and bruised,” he said. “The centre-forwards are there to win headers, flick-ons, and do as much as they can to bring others into play. In the second half, everyone won their duels, and we looked so much better.”

After a season disrupted by injuries, Coburn is relishing the opportunity to play regularly and contribute to the team’s success.

“It’s brilliant to be playing again,” he said. “It’s been tough with injuries, but I came here to start games, and I’m hoping to have a good end to the season and score some more goals.”

The 22-year-old is also enjoying life at the club and is determined to help the Lions finish the season strongly.

“The lads are brilliant, and it’s a great club to play for – I’m really enjoying it.”

Coburn acknowledged the competition for places up front, particularly with fellow striker Mihailo Ivanovic, which he believes is pushing both players to improve.

“Me and Mika get on really well. It’s good competition, and that’s what the gaffer wants,” he said. “We have to balance off each other—if he scores, I want to score. If I score, he wants to score. That only helps the club. He is just beating me at the moment, but hopefully, I can catch him.”

PICTURE: BRIAN TONKS