Millwall boss Neil Harris praises Jiri Skalak for ‘excellent pre-season’

BY JAKE SANDERS

Neil Harris has praised Jiri Skalak’s attitude and desire since returning from his summer break – admitting the winger has caught his eye in pre-season.

The Czech Republic international, who made just eight starts in all competitions for Millwall last season, put the Lions in front at Gillingham today with a stunning first-half volley – his first goal for the club since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer.

A trialist levelled for the League One outfit early in the second-half, but Harris’ side retook the lead almost immediately through Jake Cooper’s header and held on for a 2-1 victory.

“I am really pleased with him,” the Lions chief said. “Jiri has been excellent all pre-season. I think you saw the reaction from the players as well [to his goal]. You don’t really celebrate goals in pre-season, but you saw the reaction to Jiri because he has come back in great shape.

“He knows there is a challenge to be in the team, all the wide players know there is a challenge. We have Jed [Wallace], who is a class act, Connor Mahoney has come in for a big transfer fee and is a good player. Jiri is looking on song, Shane Fergie has quality in that position and we also have Aiden [O’Brien] who can play there.

“It is competition for places and the boys have to be at their best and Jiri has definitely caught my eye during pre-season.”

PICTURES BY BRIAN TONKS