Shittu could be missing link in Millwall’s promotion quest
Published:Kenny Jackett praised the debut of new defender Danny Shittu and feels that he could be a major asset in the coming months to getting Millwall’s promotion push back on track.
Millwall had only won once in nine games before playing Derby at home, but Shittu settled right in to the heart of the defence to help keep a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory.
Meanwhile, Derby’s six-match unbeaten streak was also brought to an end to slow the surge of Nigel Clough’s team towards the promotion places.
The win lifted Millwall back to within two points of the play-off places in the division and it is 50/1 that they win the Championship and secure back-to-back promotions.
Jackett was particularly happy with the way that Shittu dealt with one-on-one situations and was optimistic that his strength in this department could add a new dimension to Millwall’s game.
He said: “At centre-half, he has the ability to go one-on-one and come out on top.
“If you’re going to attack and play along the line, your defenders have got to be able to handle one-on-one situations otherwise it limits your selection as a manager.”
Shittu recently signed a three-month deal at Millwall after leaving Bolton and Jackett believes he has plenty more to give in this period once he builds up his fitness.
Millwall’s promotion prospects may become clearer in the coming weeks as their next two Championship fixtures are away from home.
Both are also against other clubs on the fringes of the play-off picture as they follow a visit to free-falling Ipswich with a trip north to Doncaster.
One thing in Millwall’s favour is that they have avoided defeat in their two visits to Doncaster in the past 25 years.
Millwall and Doncaster both have 19 points in the Championship standings, but the latter are 40/1 to win the title. See the full Championship winners betting odds market.
