HARRY Smith could head out on loan again this season as Millwall want to ensure he continues to get first-team exposure.
Smith, 22, is back with the club after his loan spell with Swindon was cut short recently, and he played for the Lions under-23s in their 1-1 draw at Cardiff on Monday.
Millwall are hoping to secure a move for the striker this month so he can build up senior experience with a view to challenging for a first-team squad place next season.
However, if Smith makes an appearance for Millwall, that would rule out another loan move this campaign.
“We’re quite relaxed with that one,” Lions boss Neil Harris said. “In an ideal world you would say Harry would go back into League Two and try and get a similar number of appearances to what he got in the first half of the season, nine or 10 starts and the same off the bench would be ideal.
“However, how I like the team to play means we like to have a big man in the team. We have been a bit thin at times, with injuries to Tom Elliott more than anything. So Harry’s opportunity might come here in the second half of the season.
“We’re certainly not putting pressure on Harry to go out the door and get some football. What we have to be mindful of is that Harry can’t play for more than two sides in the same season. He’s played for Swindon already and if he plays for us in the next couple of weeks then he can’t go on loan.
“That’s my dilemma at the moment as to whether to involve him. It’s not just about what’s good for us tomorrow, what’s good for us next week, it’s about what’s good for Harry and his future at Millwall. If he’s going to be fighting for a place next year in the squad, then as much experience this year is key for him.”
Image: Swindon Town FC