Liverpool man a matchwinner in midweek – but knows he can deliver even more for Charlton Athletic

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Liam Millar knows there is plenty of room for improvement in his game despite hitting the midweek matchwinner for Charlton.

The 21-year-old Canadian, who joined on loan from Liverpool earlier this month, fired in the clincher at Milton Keynes on Tuesday night.

It was Millar’s fifth appearance for the Addicks and the rightfooted winger, who operates down the left, reckons he is already beginning to play to his strengths for the South Londoners.

“I was brought in to carry the ball forward and drive at players,” said the Reds youngster. “It’s my best asset, getting the ball and taking on people one-v-one.

“My final ball needs to improve but I’m doing really well at picking up the ball and getting the team forward.”

Millar’s diligent defensive work was also noticeable in Buckinghamshire.

“It’s not something that every winger wants to do,” he said. “You want to attack, score goals and get assists. But when teams play wing-backs it is my job to deal with them. You have to work back.

“It’s something I have to do for the team if we want to be successful.

“You put your head down and do it. Then when you get your chance to go forward you need to make the most of it.”

Millar has also played at the tip of a midfield diamond for the Addicks but prefers a wider role where he can cut inside.

“Left wing is my favoured position,” he said. “I do enjoy playing that free roam ‘10’ where I can drift from in to out.

“It’s important that players are versatile and can play more than one position because it gets you in the team more. Everyone just wants to play.”

Millar’s only previous spells away from the Merseysiders were two stints with Scottish side Kilmarnock.

He has started all six matches since opting for a temporary move to Charlton.

“It’s obviously a lot different from U23s football,” said Millar.

“When I first came in I was blowing a little bit, because the intensity is just so different.

“I’m starting to get into the game more and the rhythm.

“I can tell the midfielders trust me now. They give me the ball – I can do what I can do.”

Millar has praised former Portsmouth midfielder Gary O’Neil, now U23 assistant coach at Anfield, for his help.

“Me and Gaz have worked a lot on cutting inside and finishing. He’s helped me loads. I’m really grateful.

“I’ve always needed to improve my final ball and sometimes on my finishing. It’s great I can see progress. I can see myself getting better and better at it every week.”