ALEX Neil joked Millwall’s fixture list is not getting easier as his side prepare for an EFL Cup Third Round clash with Crystal Palace tonight.
The Lions drew 1-1 with south London rivals Charlton Athletic on Saturday, September 13, and three days later have to head to Selhurst Park for another derby, this time against a Premier League side.
They will do so without several first-team players, with Neil bringing on three reasonably inexperienced players at the Championship level in the second half at the Valley, as his side chased the game. The changes proved instrumental, as 21-year-old Ra’ees Bangura-Williams scored the equaliser.
Neil was asked about the Crystal Palace tie following the game on Saturday.
“It doesn’t get any easier, does it?” Neil said. “I’m sure the fans will be turning up expecting us to try and beat them as well.
“We’ve got a few bodies missing, and that’s not an excuse, but I think everybody can see that.
“Even the lads we’re bringing on the pitch, Thierno Ballo’s never played in the Championship, Dan Kelly has played a couple of minutes in the Championship. Even the likes of Ra’ees, who is still a young kid, and we’re relying on them to come on and change the game for us.
“So all credit to them. I thought they came on, had a good impact. But we’ve still got some key experienced lads to come back.”