BLACKBURN Rovers boss Valerien Ismael said his side will have to “match” Millwall ahead of the Lions’ trip to Ewood Park today.
Millwall head to Blackburn having won four out of their past five games, a run of form that has them just three points off sixth-placed Coventry City.
They take on a Rovers side that has lost five out of their last seven, although Blackburn did win their last game – a 1-0 win away against relegation-battling Luton Town.
Despite the Rovers’ poor form, Millwall boss Alex Neil labelled them a “dangerous” side during the week, and Ismael was similarly complimentary of the Lions.
“It’s always the same and there’s a fighting character in these games,” Ismael told Rovers TV.
“Like Luton, they’re a very strong and solid Championship team. They have good momentum and we will have to match them.
“We have the intensity in our game and some momentum as well, so we want to continue on this path.”
“We want to finish positively with good feelings and that’s why we’re focused on the next game, which will be tough.
“We are ready and the team have the stability in the performances now, the mentality is good, the fitness is getting better and this is what we need to be more competitive.
“You’re starting to see the work we’ve put in starting to show. It’s good timing to get the results, which is confirmation for that work.
“Results help cement all the work you’re doing.”
Ismael also confirmed that his side’s top goal-scorer, Yuki Ohashi, will likely be fit to face the Lions despite suffering an elbow injury against Luton and having to wear a sling after the game. The Japanese forward has scored three goals in his last five games.
“At the minute, Kristi Montgomery will be out due to his red card,” Ismael said. “
“We will assess Yuki and we will assess [Ryan] Hedges. At the moment, it looks good for both players.
“It looks positive, there are some good signs that Yuki will be ready, but I have to be careful with my optimism! I think he has a good chance to be there.
“We may have some players coming back into the squad and we will see.
“We still have time to assess the players but at least we’re not losing players with injuries.
“Callum is really close to being back and he’s been good training with the team,” he added.
“With [Emmanuel] Dennis, I think this week is a little too early for him to be back, [Augustus] Kargbo is the same as well.
“It’s also too early for Hayden [Carter], so we’re still missing a lot of players.”
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