Millwall boss admits Thompson has list of admirers as he returns from Portsmouth loan

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Neil Harris has spelled out that Ben Thompson is not for sale – and is backing him to be a future Millwall captain.

The all-action midfielder, 23, has been recalled from his loan spell at League One leaders Portsmouth.
And Pompey manager Kenny Jackett, who previously bossed the Lions, has admitted he tried to do a permanent deal for the Lions academy product before.

“It is not just Portsmouth – a lot of clubs have asked for Ben,” said Lions chief Harris. “Of course they have, because he has had a great loan period and played fantastically well for us in League One.

“He also stepped up to the Championship with us and played some important games for us there as well.

“Ben is going to be a top Millwall player and a future captain of the club.

“He is certainly not for sale at the moment. Ben is fully aware what my thoughts are about the coming weeks.

“We are back in training on Tuesday. I spoke to him on Sunday and he is very excited.

“I’ve been clear all the loan lads are coming back to us. That doesn’t mean they are going to be with us in three weeks time when the window shuts – it doesn’t mean they are going to be with us in 24 hours time.

“It doesn’t mean they aren’t going to go back out – it doesn’t mean that at all.”

Jackett has given Thompson a run of matches – with him thriving in a midfield three for the South Coast outfit.

“With Ben in particular we are very thankful for Millwall loaning him to us,” said Jackett.

“We respect that and it’s totally their call.

“To be fair, I asked before the last loan window [if he was available permanently].

“I’ve asked at different times. The answer’s been no and we’ve been asking all the way along.”