Millwall midfielder reveals two Derby County players who came in for special treatment at The Den

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Shaun Wiliams admitted that at least two Derby County players were targeted for special treatment in Millwall’s 2-1 win on Saturday.

The Irishman had a hand in both the Lions’ goals – his free-kick being touched home by Lee Gregory and then seeing a shot deflected past Scott Carson by Fikayo Tomori.

Afterwards Williams gave an insight into the Millwall gameplan. He said: “It’s not a nice ground to come and make your debut at. The right-back [Jayden Bogle] was making his Football League debut – so he was in for it today.

“And maybe their left-sided centre-half [Tomori], he might have been targeted as well.”

Millwall are on the road for their next two Championship fixtures – Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow followed by an early Sunday kick-off at Rotherham United – but then host relegated Swansea.

The Welsh side clung on for a 0-0 draw at Birmingham on Friday night and Williams was unimpressed.

“I watched them on TV and I don’t think they should be looking to overachieve and get back to the Premier League because they weren’t any great shakes,” said the Republic of Ireland international.

“It will be a totally different game when they come down to The Den with a lot of young boys who haven’t played here before – it will be an eye-opener.”

Millwall are unbeaten in the league.

“We have beaten one of the promotion favourites [Derby] and we’re one of the relegation favourites,” said Williams. “We’ve picked up where we left off at the end of last season. The confidence is there and the performances have been there.

“I don’t see why we can’t continue that form through the season.

“There are lots of good players in our squad. Everyone has different attributes but the main thing everyone brings to the team is hard work.

“The underdog tag suits us perfectly.

“We just want to get to 50 points as quickly as possible. Once we get in that safe area it takes that pressure off people and you play with a bit more freedom.”

MAIN IMAGE BY KEITH GILLARD