Millwall boss won’t put extra pressure on striker
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Tom Bradshaw opened his Millwall goal account in midweek – and manager Neil Harris says there is plenty more to come from the striker.
The 27-year-old had only played 10 matches for the Lions after a seven-figure switch from Barnsley when he suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in November.
But Bradshaw was fit to resume pre-season training and headed home in Tuesday’s 2-1 League Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.
Harris revealed afterwards that coaching staff and players had given the Wales international a standing ovation in the dressing room.
Bradshaw’s goal ended a 367-day wait – his last coming for the Tykes against Bradford in August 2018.
“For Tom it will feel like he has been here forever and not got off the mark – but I certainly don’t look at it like that,” said Harris. “Tom was a new signing in pre-season.
“He understands the team. Going and watching our games has given him a real understanding of how I want him to play and what I expect from him as a centre-forward in a Millwall shirt. His performances are showing that now.
“We all appreciate what Bradders has been through. Coming back from that injury is a long haul. You have to show discipline, dedication and hunger to want to play and get back on that scoresheet.
“That has been evident. He has looked sharp in training and week by week we’re seeing that sharpness growing in him. It’s a pleasure to see.
“He is still not 100 per cent, there is still more to come. But it will be a big relief and weight off his shoulders to get his first goal. The next challenge is a first league goal, let’s hope that is not too far away.
“I want to be careful and not put too much pressure on him. We have to be patient. He has had a serious, career-threatening injury that he has come back from. He’s improving all the time. That’s all I want him to do – keep getting better and better. Not pushing him too hard is vital.”
The Millwall frontmen are in good nick with Matt Smith getting his first goal for the club at West Brom on Saturday, then Bradshaw and Aiden O’Brien converting in midweek.
“Jed is off the mark too so it’s a lovely position to be in,” said Harris.
“Jon Dadi [Bodvarsson] had two cracking chances the other night – his movement around the box was very, very good.
“He is getting sharper all the time because he is three weeks behind everyone else, we have to remind ourselves of that with Jon Dadi.
“There are decisions to make.
“We’ve got eight games to play this month – which is a ridiculous amount of football when you consider that we’ve just had three months off from competitive action.
“Having that many matches in a four-week period allows me to rotate players. That’s the position I want to be in. I won’t over-think it or over-tinker it.”
Unbeaten Millwall host Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow – the visitors boasting a 100 per cent record.