NEIL Harris highlighted the firepower Middlesbrough have in reserve to illustrate the challenge facing Millwall this weekend as they look to bounce back from their defeat to Blackburn Rovers.
Boro were winning 1-0 at Birmingham City last Saturday when boss Tony Pulis brought on Stewart Downing and Britt Assombalonga and though the hosts levelled the latter scored an 82nd-minute winner.
Pulis also introduced Paddy McNair late on, three players bought for a combined £25million sprung from the substitutes bench.
Last August, Pulis brought on £7million striker Ashley Fletcher and his side came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at The Den. Boro have spent £20million this season, including £8million to prise George Saville from the Lions.
Boro are fifth in the Championship, four points off Sheffield United in second.
Millwall conceded two late goals to Rovers at The Den last weekend which brought their three-game winning league run to an end.
“The disappointment of the Blackburn game is that it was a 0-0 game and then they’ve had one shot on goal and scored and one ricochet and scored,” Harris said.
“We should be talking about a five-game unbeaten run [in all competitions], so that’s the frustration.
“The players are still in good confidence. It’s a tough place to go, Middlesbrough. Watching their games back and seeing Downing, McNair and Assombalonga coming off the bench, they’ve got a quality squad and are where they should be in the league, the top six.
“It’s a tough challenge. Physically you’ve got to stand up to them because they’re the biggest side in the division.
“We have to compete like we have done and show some quality as well. First and foremost you have to stop Boro.
“We look forward to the challenge, it’s a good game for us and we’re certainly looking to bounce back from the disappointment of the last few minutes against Blackburn.”
Image: Millwall FC