Lions hoping to get stronger ahead of tough run

Millwall boss Alex Neil hopes the return of some key players from injury will give his squad a timely boost.

The Lions are sixth in the Championship, four points out of the automatic promotion spots, ahead of Saturday's trip to Portsmouth (15:00 GMT), but collected only two points from three games as they limped into the international break as injuries took their toll.

"We've managed to work towards getting guys closer to being available," Neil told BBC Radio London.

Though the trip to Fratton Park is likely to come too soon for Femi Azeez and Steven Benda, Neil added: "Alfie Doughty and Danny McNamara are making good progress, they should be involved."

Neil has been forced into picking 27 different players in Millwall's opening 15 games and admitted: "Our biggest challenge this year is consistency in terms of personnel and style.

"Naturally when you have players missing it does affect how we try to play - every player's strength is different. It's more complex for us when we have players missing."

The trip to Portsmouth starts a run of 11 league games in 43 days and Neil added: "It's going to be a tough schedule, but it's the same for everybody.

"You want to try and avoid injuries and suspensions, you want everybody fit and available.

"Unfortunately we have more than a few long-term injuries - Massimo Luongo, Will Smallbone, Josh Coburn and Ryan Leonard - a whole list of guys that are not going to be able to help us."

Neil hailed the impact of 21-year-old Derek Mazou-Sacko who has started seven of the past 10 Championship games after arriving late in the transfer window from Ligue 2 side Rodez.

"He's shown us he can perform, we can rely on him and we can pick up points with him in the team" Neil said.

"Derek, Zak Sturge and Thierno Ballo in particular have really stepped up."

Click here to listen to the interview and for more Millwall content via BBC Sounds.