SHAUN Cummings is refusing to say the pressure is off Millwall as they aim to knock Premier League opposition out of the FA Cup this weekend.
Cummings will “play to win” against AFC Bournemouth as Millwall look to reach the fourth round of the competition for the first time in four years.
He also promised Millwall will not give Eddie Howe’s side “too much respect” when they walk out at The Den on Saturday afternoon.
“I play to win and the team play to win,” Cumming said. “Whoever we play against I think we’re capable of beating. If we play well and get our tactics right, even if it’s a Premier League team in Bournemouth, we have a chance.
“You have to play to the best of your ability and never give up. Whether you’re in the lead or losing you’ve got to concentrate and give it all you can. That’s all you can ask for.
“You don’t want to give them too much respect where you might back off a bit just because they are a Premier League team. It doesn’t matter to me that they are.
“Every game in itself is another game to get a ‘W’ in the column. When you win you move on to the next one.”
Cummings has featured in the last four games after recovering from a knee injury that kept him from starting in the league for 11 months. He made his full league comeback in the win over Charlton before Christmas, but he didn’t put an extra pressure on himself before the south London derby.
“It was fine. For our fans and their fans it was a local derby so it was a big game,” he said.
“But for me it was just another game, I had to go out there and perform and help the team to get the victory.
“I felt fine, I’ve been looking after myself and getting my recovery right so I’m able to play in the next game and next game after that.
“There are two halves in the season and games come thick and fast after Christmas. We’ve got to build on results and keep some consistency going.
“There are 46 games in a season and everyone is going to play a part. Whenever someone does come in they’ve got to fill the position and do the best they can to get a result in that particular game.
“We’re in an okay position at the moment and the second half of seasons are usually good for us. Hopefully we can produce like we did last year and get a top-six finish at least.
“Competition is good for everyone, it keeps the level up. You want to do your best to stay in the team.”
Image: Millwall FC