MILLWALL boss Neil Harris has hinted he will go for experience in January’s transfer window, after Tuesday night’s scoreless draw with AFC Wimbledon emphasised the lack of attacking depth in the squad.
Harris wants to recruit at least two players, and acknowledged recent injuries to Shaun Hutchinson and Steve Morison have revealed where the squad might need reinforcements.
Lee Gregory also failed to recover from the back spasm that forced him off against Bolton last Saturday in time to face the Dons.
Harris paired Harry Smith and Aiden O’Brien up front on Tuesday, before bringing on Fred Onyedinma in the second half.
With no loan windows this season the pressure is on to get it right.
“Injuries highlight areas that we might be light on,” Harris said. “Even between now and January things could change with players being back fit or you might be lacking cover somewhere else.
“Without that loan window there is always the danger you lose two strikers, two centre-halves, two left-backs – you’re going to be light at some stages in positions.
“As a club we use our youth policy really well, we give people opportunities, the Checkatrade Trophy being an example. And we had six players under the age of 23 at Bolton last weekend, that’s testament to our policy.
“Sometimes you do need that little bit of experience. We’ll certainly strengthen in January, but in terms of specific positions we’re looking at all over the park for people that can make us better.
“It all depends on a player’s availability and whether they suit our style of play.
“I wouldn’t rule anybody out in any age group.
“We have a youthful group and tried to adjust that slightly in the summer bringing in 25-, 26-year-olds with experience.
“We have to recognise that fact that we are a young group and a little bit of leadership and knowhow can help.”
Millwall have been monitoring the progress of Everton’s 19-year-old midfielder Liam Walsh, but are unlikely to make a move for him in January.
The Lions are also set to take Matt Briggs – a highly rated 20-year-old winger who plays for Dorking in the Combined Counties League – on trial in the coming weeks.
Image source: ©Millwall FC