PEARCE: HARRIS’ SPIRIT MADE ME SIGN UP

ALEX Pearce says Neil Harris’ positive outlook was key to his decision to join Millwall on loan from Championship rivals Derby until the end of the season.

The defender has played just one minute for Frank Lampard’s side this season, coming on as a late sub in the opening game of the season against former club Reading in August.

The 30-year-old seven-cap Republic of Ireland international is relishing the chance of regular first-team football and admitted Lions manager Neil Harris was a vital factor in the move.

“I’m really pleased to be here,” Pearce said. “As soon as I heard about the interest from Millwall, I was excited about coming and hopefully I can help the team climb up the league.

“The manager’s enthusiasm was key. I met with him, we had a good chat, and we spent a good amount of time together.

“He was really positive – he told me about how he likes his teams to play, and I was really enthused by it all. Everything went positively.”

Harris added: “Pearcey brings a wealth of experience.

“We’ve lacked a little bit of leadership at times in games where we’ve let late goals in or conceded too many goals, and we’ve needed that presence in there at the back.

“We had it in the second half of last season with Jason Shackell, and we’ve had it in the past with Tony Craig as well.”