COOPER: NOW IT’S TIME FOR LIONS TO ROAR...
JAKE Cooper reckons a rousing comeback can act as a catalyst to revive Millwall’s ailing fortunes – just like last season.
Neil Harris’ side embarked on a remarkable run to the brink of the Championship top six last term but a far gloomier picture has descended this season.
The Lions had lost four games on the bounce leading into their midweek fixture at Nottingham Forest and slipped 2-0 down after strikes from Joe Lolley and Joao Carvalho. But goals from skipper Shaun Williams and Lee Gregory, in stoppage time, saw them battle back to secure a point.
Central defender Cooper, who played a key role in last year’s play-off push, believes the result can propel his side back in to form and away from danger.
“It was massive. Obviously we were disappointed to concede two goals – although they were good goals – but we had to show some fight and it was nice for us to be on the other side of a late comeback,” said the 23-year-old.
“Hopefully that can give us some confidence going into Saturday and the rest of the season. It was massive for the group.
“There’s been a much better feeling since Forest. Last season’s comeback against Leeds (a 4-3 win) really sparked something big in our season, so sometimes it only takes a thing like that to turn our fortunes around.
“Our performances haven’t been too bad. There’s been certain parts of games where we’ve played well and certain parts where we’ve let ourselves down a bit. It was about bringing it all together for a full 90 minutes and I think we did that on Wednesday.”
The Lions are benefitting from a clean bill of health so far this term, aside from centre-back Shaun Hutchinson, 30, suffering a long-term knee injury.