Millwall boss Rowett: I expect my players to have the right mentality against Portsmouth

Championship Millwall will not underestimate League One Portsmouth when the two sides battle for a place in the next round of the EFL Cup at The Den tomorrow.

Former Lion Shaun Williams might line up for the visitors despite picking up a back injury in the warm-up to Pompey’s 1-0 win at Fleetwood on Saturday.

Home boss Gary Rowett says he expects his players to have the same determination to prevail as in previous contests with Crawley and Cheltenham in the EFL Cup last September.

Rowett said: “Our mentality was good in those games. We navigated them quite well.

“It will be a difficult match. Portsmouth are a good side – I think of them as a Championship team because of the size of the club. They have some good players.

“Danny Cowley is an experienced manager.

“We are expecting a decent crowd, though it might not be as big as the one we are expecting against Blackburn on Saturday for the first home Championship game of the season.

“But we have gone from none to thousands – so it will feel like a full stadium tomorrow.

“Whether it is 6,000, 7,000 or 8,000, we know our fans will make it a good atmosphere.

“Hopefully, there will be plenty there.

“We will go out and try to win the game and implement the things we have worked on in pre-season. But I am sure Portsmouth will be looking to upset the odds.

“It will be a shame not to have Willo line up for them if he is not yet ready – though it will still be nice to see him back here. I am sure if he does travel, the fans will give him a good reception – though I am sure his mind will be on Portsmouth winning.”