MILLWALL boss Neil Harris praised Tony Craig after his captain scored one of the crucial goals in the 4-3 win over Bristol Rovers.
Craig notched his first goal in 18 months and made a vital second-half clearance as Millwall claimed the last play-off place with their win at The Memorial Stadium.
“Tony’s had an up and down period this year, there’s no doubting that, and by his own admission he’s not played well at times,” Harris said.
“I threw him in last week when he hadn’t trained, it was a big ask and harsh on Joe [Martin]. But sometimes you need your captain out there.
“[Sunday] he pops up with a crucial goal and his clearance off the line is brilliant. It’s his determination to get forward and the way he talks, him and Steve [Morison] were excellent.
“I’m delighted for Tony. There is a turnaround period now and we have to get them rested up and see if they go again in two games in four days.”
Three of Millwall’s goals came from set-pieces, while Lee Gregory doubled his total from play in 2017 with a first-half brace.
“We work hard and have scored a lot of goals from free-kicks and corners this year,” Harris said. “We knew we had a size advantage but I said to the boys, it’s fine having that but it becomes about the determination to want to do it.
“The big thing for us is that Lee Gregory has scored two goals. There have been questions because he’s not had the goal return we hoped for, certainly of late. But big players produce big moments and that was certainly the case.”
Millwall now play Scunthorpe in the play-off semi-finals, having lost 3-0 to the Iron in December before beating them 3-1 in April.
Harris said: “We’d a really strong performance at The Den against them a few weeks ago, but they had a really strong performance against us before Christmas.
“It’s two well-drilled teams but no one wants to play Millwall. We’ve shown that over the years.
“I’m delighted to be at The Den Thursday night first. It’s going to be a quick turnaround.
“We have to make sure that we get everyone back fit and healthy and I pick a team that I feel is the best XI to beat Scunthorpe”.
Image: Millwall FC