Jake Cooper says Tim Cahill has played a huge role in Millwall’s promotion push.
Cahill, who signed a short-term deal in January, has made eight substitute appearances for the Lions, playing a combined total of just 46 minutes.
The Australian came on for the final seven minutes of Millwall’s 2-0 win over Bristol City on Saturday. He is yet to taste defeat in his second spell at the Den.
Cooper, who has starred with Shaun Hutchinson at the back this season, has been delighted with Cahill’s contribution.
The Millwall defender said: “I learned a lot off Steve [Morison] last year and Timmy [Cahill] adding to that this year has been great, he’s been another level.
“He’s a great guy to have around the boys and the dressing room. His experience is second to none.
“Even though he hasn’t had such a massive a role in the team, he’s helped the squad massively.”
Millwall moved up to seventh after beating the Robins and extended their unbeaten Championship run to 15 games.
Jed Wallace spectacularly opened the scoring before Morison finished off a fine team move to bag his fourth goal of the season and his first since February.
The Lions haven’t lost a league game since New Year’s Day - and Cooper admits the players have a great relationship with the fans.
He said: “The atmosphere out there was great, as it was last Friday and if they can keep coming along like they have done against Bristol City, then it is a great place to play. We feel a real connection with the fans, everyone is willing us to go on and keep improving.
“Ever since I signed here you felt a good vibe around the place and every time we come here we’re loved by the fans. You can tell by our performances and how the boys talk how much we love playing here.
“This is a real fortress for us. They are the harder games because they [Bristol City] have everything to lose. It’s not going to be easy and we are going to have to make sure we are on our game.
“Even the gaffer touched on it, in January we were 20 points behind Bristol City. Now, to go three points above them, it's a credit to everyone at the club.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here