NEIL Harris believes there is more to come from George Saville and Jed Wallace.
The pair signed from Wolves this week after impressing during loan spells with Millwall.
Harris has always stressed his loan policy is dictated by recruiting players who can not only make an instant impact, but to assess their suitability as possible long-term options to strengthen the squad.
Saville, Wallace, and Shane Ferguson before them, were Harris’ first three loan signings as senior boss, and all are now on permanent deals at the club.
And Harris feels Saville, 24, and Wallace, 23, also fit the profile of players who have plenty of time to improve.
“We brought Jed on loan always with a view to bringing him in permanently,” Harris said. “I’ve been consistent in my policy that it’s not just short-term gain, it’s always looking towards the future. It gives the player and club the chance to check each other out, in theory.
“Jed gave us another dimension last year, and him hitting form coincided with the team’s form. He showed his desire probably halfway through his loan move that he wanted to come, he made it quite public.
“There is a lot of toing and froing of course when you’re trying to bring in a player for a good fee. I’m delighted not only because George and Jed have Championship experience, add athleticism to our squad, but also because they are at really good ages. They’re only going to improve.”
Millwall could confirm Northern Ireland international defender Conor McLaughlin as their fifth signing of the summer next week.
That would mean a first-team senior of squad of 19 players, close to the number Harris has earmarked for the challenge in the Championship next season.
The Lions are likely to have fewer games than the 61 they played last season as they won’t be in the EFL Trophy in 2017-18.
That means Harris can continue his policy of maintaining a relatively small senior playing squad.
“We’re always looking to add quality, but it’s important we don’t have too big a squad,” Harris said. “There’s a real buzz about the squad at the moment, everyone wants to be involved and improve themselves.
“I’d like to think at the moment we’ve added quality and strength to what was already a good squad.”
Image: Millwall FC