New boy Shackell in line for Millwall bow

Posted Friday, January 26, 2018 by PA

Jason Shackell is expected to be involved for Millwall when they host Rochdale after arriving at the club on loan from Derby.

Tom Elliott is also pushing to start, having scored as a substitute in last week’s victory at Leeds.

Shane Ferguson came off the bench in that match too on his return to fitness, and is therefore in contention for a place in Neil Harris’ starting XI, particularly with Aiden O’Brien missing with an ankle injury.

Fred Onyedinma has returned to training after a groin injury, and could yet also feature in Harris’ squad.

Rochdale new boys Sam Hart and Alex Dobre will hope for debuts after being thwarted last weekend by the postponement of the club’s League One clash with Southend.

Defender Hart joined the club from Blackburn and winger Dobre from Bournemouth, both on loan, last week and have had to attempt to stake their respective claims in training.

Midfielder Billy Knott made his debut as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Gillingham on January 13 following his temporary move from Lincoln and is pushing for a first start.

Manager Keith Hill hopes to have striker Steve Davies back after a knock, but midfielder Joe Thompson is still several weeks away and Niall Canavan and Keith Keane are long-term absentees.