MILLWALL will check on the fitness of defender Jos Hooiveld ahead of tomorrow night’s win-or-bust clash with Wigan.
Hooiveld missed the 2-0 defeat to Watford on Saturday through injury but interim boss Neil Harris does not expect the 31-year-old to be out for long.
“Jos picked up a knock on Thursday and didn’t quite make it,” Harris said. “We’ll have to have a look at him to determine whether he’s in contention for Wigan or not.
“We don’t think it’s too serious so if not Tuesday, we’re hopeful he’ll be back for [Cardiff away on] Saturday.”
Harris will need everyone fit and available for the Latics’ visit to The Den on Tuesday.
Wigan, who last week appointed former player Gary Caldwell as their new manager, are level on points with the Lions at the foot of the Championship table.
“It’s a big game,” Harris added. “The position we’re in is difficult but we can only approach one game at a time.
“Saturday was a big challenge for us against a top Watford side and Wigan brings different challenges because of the position both teams are in.
“It’s certainly a game you don’t want to lose, but we’re desperate to win it.”
Harris says the mood in the dressing room is still overwhelmingly positive despite defeat at the weekend.
“They’re disappointed because we’re trying to breed a winning mentality at the club and they know they’ve been undone by a good side,” said the Millwall boss.
“But they’ll take the positives – the way they performed as a team and certainly some individual performances, and the fact we’re moving in the right direction.
“The players feed off the fans and their positivity. They can see what we’re trying to achieve.
“When we went behind, we tried to get back in the game. When we lost the second goal, we tried even harder and threw bodies on the pitch to get forward.
“We created chances and that’s the pleasing thing. We got into some really good positions around the penalty area but didn’t quite have the quality to make them count.
“We had a go because we need results at this stage of the season.
“As much as you don’t want to lose 3-0 or 4-0, which is always the danger, I’d rather get back to 2-1 than worry about conceding a third goal.
“When we moved the ball quickly, we looked dangerous. But sometimes you don’t get decisions – like the penalty – or the ball doesn’t quite fall for you.”