KENNY Jackett is refusing to be rushed into calling Ashley Grimes back into the Millwall first team despite his two goals for the reserves earlier this week.
Grimes came off the bench to score in the 3-0 win FA Cup win at Chester and grabbed both of his side’s strikes as the Lions’ second string overcame Charlton reserves 2-0 on Tuesday.
But the manager was vague about Grimes’ chances of facing Stockport at The Den on Saturday when asked by News Shopper this morning.
Jackett said: “We have two training sessions between now and the game. I have a few people to see whether they are 100 per cent or not coming back.
“It looks like Zak Whitbread won’t be back, but Gary Alexander and Marc Laird might be.
“We’ve got to consider all of that in terms of how fit and sharp they are so my mind is quite open at the moment.
“I’ve got to this stage as a manager before and then gone out on the training ground and seen someone who isn’t ready and have to rethink.
“I know that is not specific about Grimes, but it is specific about the team and the 16 which isn’t settled in my mind yet.”
Jackett also praised the display of Millwall’s reserves against the Addicks.
He added: “It was a good performance against Charlton.
“I thought we hung on a little bit in the first 20 minutes when Charlton had a lot of the ball.
“After that we came on strong, showed some grit and I was pleased with the attitude of the side because sometimes reserve performances can be up and down.”
Millwall return to League One action after the Chester triumph determined to put their last league result firmly behind them, a 4-1 defeat at Brighton.
But Jackett knows Stockport, who sit eighth in the table four points behind fourth-placed Millwall, will provide a stern test for his side.
The boss explained: “Stockport are unbeaten away from home.
“They’ve come and had a go in this division with very little fear just like Peterborough and MK Dons, who have all made an impression in a higher division.
“Stockport have conceded very few goals and looking at their league position and points total they will be one of the sides with an eye on the promotion places.
“There are probably 10 or 12 clubs who feel they can do it at this stage and undoubtedly they are one of them.”
Jackett added: “It is set up to be a very good game and I’m sure it will be.
“Our home record is good and while we respect every opposition, and Stockport will have a lot to offer, there is only so much you can have about the other team in your build up.
“It is about ourselves and how we prepare which is the most important thing.”
Millwall discovered on Sunday their reward for the Chester victory is a Den tie against either Aldershot Town or Rotherham United in round two.
Jackett is pleased his side have home advantage and has his fingers crossed the Lions can book a glamour tie when the Premiership big boys enter the competition.
He said: “The aim for every lower division club is to get through to the third round.
“Once you are in the third round, your chances of drawing a big club increase with all the focus and publicity which might not be available from League One.
“We did well to overcome a potential banana skin in the Chester game and this is the second stage of trying to reach our goal of a place in the third round.
“Rotherham look a good side so far this year and I’ve seen them a couple of times.
“It will be no easy task, but if you ask for anything in the cup it is a home draw, which gives you a slight advantage.”
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