Morison bid to be pride of the Lions

LEAGUE 1 PLAY-OFF FINAL: BARNSLEY v MILLWALL

STEVE MORISON aims to fire Millwall into the Championship and extend his fine Wembley record.

The Lions will take more than 30,000 fans to today’s League One play-off final with Barnsley.

Captain Morison (below) has an excellent record at the national stadium, having scored in two FA Trophy Finals for Stevenage and helped Millwall to win a play-off final six years ago. “I’ve been lucky enough to play there in three cup games and win all of them,” he said.

A large part of the former Norwich and Wales striker’s career has been spent in non-league football, inviting comparisons with Jamie Vardy.

He added: “The only difference is that he nearly won the golden boot and won the Premier League. But I am proud of all my achievements.”

Millwall left-back Joe Martin hopes to add another Wembley winners’ medal to the family collection – his father Alvin is the West Ham legend who lifted the FA Cup in 1980. Joe joked: “Dad sometimes comes to Millwall home games, but given the West Ham rivalry he comes in disguise.”

Paul Heckingbottom believes his superb stint as Barnsley caretaker manager will lose its shine if they fail to finish the job today.

Heckingbottom (below), born and bred in the town, has already led the Tykes to Johnstone’s Paint Trophy glory since taking over from Lee Johnson in February.

Promotion would surely make Heckingbottom’s caretaker spell one of the most decorated in the game. “It couldn’t have gone better,” he said.

“We have to be delighted with what we have done, but I don’t think I will put it in perspective if we lose – I’ll just think what a great chance we had.”

Heckingbottom, who is expected to agree a permanent deal after the game, has won two play-off finals and lost one.

“It’s absolutely huge. It’s the chance to progress your career and perform on a bigger stage. There is so much riding on it,” he said.

“The best part of my playing career was winning a play-off final with Barnsley, so to do it again would be unbelievable.”

TODAY KO: 3pm TV: Sky Sports 1