NEIL Harris has admitted Ben Marshall is “searching for his best form” after his January loan switch from Norwich City.
Marshall, 27, comes back into contention for selection at Bolton on Saturday after being unable to play against his parent club last weekend.
Marshall went straight into Harris’ side after his move from Carrow Road, but was lacking match sharpness after featuring only six times for the Canaries in the first half of the season.
Millwall have won just one of the seven games Marshall has played in since he joined the Lions for the second time.
He was a big hit last season after signing from Wolves, scoring three goals and contributing five assists as Millwall launched a play-off challenge.
Harris explained the difference between this season and last in terms of Marshall’s impact.
“Marshy comes back into the squad for the weekend. By his own admission he’s searching for his best form,” Harris said.
“What we have to remember with Marshy is that when he came in last year, and a lot was made of his form and how he was a big factor in us doing so well, but if you look back, he came in at the end of January and wasn’t in the team for three weeks. He had to wait and build his fitness.
“This time I took the decision to play him straightaway, he played three games last week to try to get his fitness up, knowing he wouldn’t be at 100 per cent.
“There’s been a little bit made of Ben not being at his best at the moment, a little bit too much expectation from everybody that he was going to come back here and we were going to start winning games.
“We have to give players the opportunity to find their form and their rhythm. Having him back this weekend will be key for us.”
Harris is well-stocked with options in midfield and in attack, with Ben Thompson coming in for praise for his display in the 3-1 defeat to Norwich.
Harris said: “I thought Thommo was outstanding last weekend, I was really pleased with him.
“He’s had a really positive season and is realising that those levels have to be consistent.”
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