MILLWALL boss Kenny Jackett has told News Shopper having Chris Hackett and Danny Spiller fit and available for first team selection is like signing two new players.

Hackett (cruciate ligament) and Spiller (groin) were virtual spectators at The Den last season as the Lions battled to avoid the drop.

Neither have played in a competitive game under Jackett since his appointment as manager last November and the manager admits having the duo back is similar to being handed a pair of new signings.

He said: "Danny Spiller and Chris Hackett I haven't actually seen in a Millwall shirt yet.

"They have good attitudes, both of them, and are talented players in training.

"Coming off the back of long-term injuries, they will need some time but I'm sure both have futures.

"I like them both as characters as they are serious minded and good professionals."

Hackett and Spiller were not the only players to miss out last time around as Millwall's season was overshadowed by serious injuries to several key players.

However, with only Danny Senda likely to miss the start of this campaign, Millwall's returning wounded and an unbeaten pre-season record are causes for optimism among the club's long-suffering fans.

Jackett said: "I'm pleased with the attitude and the fitness of the players.

"The players have worked very hard initially and as the games have gone along, our football has improved.

"We had a good week last week with two games against Reading and a strong Tottenham side.

"As I say, during the four or five games we've had, our football has improved but we still have two to go.

"We will have a combination of first team and squad players playing at Ebbsfleet on Wednesday and then in our final game at Exeter. We really want to hit the ground running against Oldham the following week."

Jackett is also adamant a positive start on the pitch, starting at Oldham on Saturday week, is crucial if the Lions are to enjoy a successful campaign.

He explained: "Our targets are high, there is no doubt about that. We feel we can compete with anybody in this division.

"We will be looking at setting points targets for batches of games.

"I do feel a good start is very, very important and by the start I'm talking about 10 games."

The manager added: "We will be looking for a good start and that will give everybody the belief we can do things well during the course of the season.

"In the last two years, for whatever reason, we've had bad starts to the season and it is difficult playing catch-up.

"We want to be competitive and our start is very important, so that is our first aim."

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