Jake Cooper not putting any limitations on Millwall’s potential this season
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Jake Cooper reckons it is too early to talk about Millwall as Championship play-off contenders – but also isn’t ruling out an assault on the top six.
The Lions finished eighth in their first season back in English football’s second tier with their hopes of snaring a play-off berth only ended in the last few fixtures.
Millwall are flying under new boss Gary Rowett and made it six matches undefeated with a 2-1 win at Bristol City in midweek.
The South Londoners are in striking distance of the top six.
Asked what the Lions can achieve this season, Cooper replied: “It’s early days, I don’t know.
“We’re obviously positive and we feel like the manager believes in us. The possibilities are endless if we keep performing like that [the Bristol City game].
“Our club is looking forward, looking up the table rather than down. If we keep that mentally, who knows? It’s a tough league and there are some great sides. We need to be at the top of our game and be consistent. It’s something [the play-offs] that maybe the fans will be looking for.”
Cooper has played every minute for Millwall this season. He is on course to have played every minute in 100 consecutive league games – the Boxing Day trip to Cardiff City would see him achieve that milestone.
The centre-back has always been a goal threat during his career in SE16 but Tuesday’s headed finish opened his account for the 2019-20 season.
“It was a massive relief,” he said. “You can see from my celebration that it’s just a weight off my shoulders.
“I’ve had a bit of stick from the lads for my lack of goals, it’s all fun and games, but I’ve put myself under a bit of pressure to score.”
Millwall soaked up late attacks from City.
“We’d always back ourselves in the final stages,” said Cooper. “We’ve got some big lads there to deal with the pressure.
“We didn’t want to sit that deep and get pressed in like we did. It’s something we’ve got to look at. We want to control games at the end, especially being 2-0 up.”
PICTURES BY BRIAN TONKS
