Millwall attacker Jed Wallace: I’d rather take risks when I’m playing than have a career of safety first

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Millwall attacker Jed Wallace is happy to put himself under pressure to deliver in the final third – even if it can sometimes lead to criticism when it doesn’t come off.

The 25-year-old is the standout attacking talent for the Lions and has contributed heavily on the goal front and with assists as well.

Wallace has been linked with Aston Villa. It seems highly unlikely that the Midlands outfit could come up with the kind of financial package which would leave Millwall in a position to contemplate a sale – especially a mooted figure of £10million.

The winger, who has also played in a more free role under Gary Rowett, said: “I’m not going to be happy just to pass the ball back and say at the end of my career ‘I didn’t give the ball away much in the last seven years’. Yeah [you can do that], but that’s not the reason you play football. You play football to score goals and win games.

“The lads give me the platform to do that. The amount of times I’m encouraged to make that run across the pitch by the manager – I was by Neil  [Harris] as well – I turn around and see Willo [Shaun Williams] busting his legs to cover me at right midfield. A lot of people don’t see that side of the game.

“If I give the ball away three times in a row no-one moans at me because I think they feel I can do it on the fourth time.

“I watch players in the Premier League who have been bought for £40million and sometimes they have that inconsistency.

“It’s about being as consistent as I can with my final ball. And knowing which players are on the pitch. Against Forest I put three or four crosses to the near post and I’ve got the best header of the ball at the back post in Matt Smith. I need to be clever enough to slow down and pick the right ball.

“I know I’m far from the complete player and I need to work on my final ball.”

PICTURE BY BRIAN TONKS