LIONS UNEARTH A JEM IN OLD-BOY KARACAN
Lamps demands big improvement as he faces old school pal Harris
NEIL HARRIS has signed his former Millwall team-mate Jem Karacan on a short-term contract until January.
The Lions have loaned out midfielder Ben Thompson to Portsmouth for the rest of the season DERBY boss Frank Lampard is aiming to avoid a lesson from old school colleague Neil Harris today. Lampard, 40, and his Millwall counterpart (right), 41, go back a long way, having attended Brentwood School in Essex at the same time. After winning his opening game as Rams boss, the former England and Chelsea ace was brought back down to earth last weekend when his team were thrashed 4-1 at home to Leeds.
He wants a response today and has warned a “battle” awaits at The Den. Lampard said: “Huge credit to Neil, his players and and brought in Karacan, who played on loan at the New Den in 2007-08, after he was released by Bolton.
“It is initially until January, we will see how it goes with us and if he likes being here,” said Lions boss Harris. “He knows the area very well being a squad. They have found a way of playing that is very hard to play against.
“He has done a fantastic job. They play to their strengths and we need to counter them.
“We went to school together many years ago. He was in the year above.
“We went our separate ways at school and Neil went on to have a fantastic career himself. He’s a legend at Millwall and has walked seamlessly into management.
“He’s a very good character and man, and I knew that from my school days. It will be nice to meet up on a personal note after the game and have a chat.”
Lampard says it’s a day for his players to “really stand up and be counted”.
He added: “I’m not just talking about the bravery of tackles and contact, but the bravery of playing in a difficult atmosphere.
“I’ll take it in good spirit, but my focus will be completely on the pitch and I expect our players to use the hostility for us.
“We must approach the game to be able to do the nasty side, which is to try and win second balls, win tackles and duels.
“But we mustn’t lose sight of the fact we want to play good football and compete in the game and try and win it.
“It will be a tough afternoon and we have to go there to win.” south London boy. I spent time with him 10 years ago and knew him in the changing room. He has good leadership qualities.”
Karacan (right), 29, said: “I played with the manager, so I know him well. Coming here was a no-brainer.”