NEIL Harris admits he will have to get “creative” to deal with Millwall’s injury problems up front.
An achilles issue suffered by Tom Bradshaw in training last week has left the Welshman on the sidelines and Lions boss Harris unsure if he will get out on the pitch again this season.
He joins fellow striker Kevin Nisbet in the treatment room with the Scottish forward also afflicted by a long-term injury.
It leaves Burnley loanee Michael Obafemi as the Lions’ sole out-and-out striker heading into tonight’s crucial clash with Blackburn Rovers. But the Irishman has had injury issues of his own and the last time he played a full 90 minutes was in October 2022 for Swansea City.
Other players including Hull City loanee Ryan Longman – who was subbed on for Obafemi in the 1-0 win over Watford – can play up front but it is not their main position.
Harris acknowledges the situation is not ideal but urged fans to have patience for his forwards, including Obafemi who is still looking for his first Millwall goal.
The Lions head coach said: “I’ve spoken to Michael a lot, trying to help him. He’s not been fit for a period of time.
“We have one recognised striker but I can’t control that. We have no recruitment opportunities or windows so I can only go with what we have and I have to find a way to do it.
“Can Michael play every minute of every game? No, of course he can’t. We have to be respectful to his injury record as well. People have to understand that and the fanbase have to understand that and they will off the back of these words now and my explanation.
“We asked Ryan Longman to play up front [against Watford]. He’s not a natural centre-forward but he’s played it before. Duncan Watmore’s played up there before. Zian Flemming can play as a nine, but a different nine.
“We’ll have to find ways and be creative, that’s my job. But what I will say is whoever plays up there, please support them. Michael’s a top, top player. A top goalscorer. I’ve seen it in training enough already.
“It’s just about trying to get him up to speed minutes wise. We have to help protect him over a period of time as well. I’m a huge fan of Michael Obafemi.”