KENNY Jackett has revealed Jimmy Abdou’s ankle injury persuaded him to turn his attentions again to Preston midfielder Darren Carter.

Carter linked up with Millwall earlier in the summer but failed to agree a deal with the Lions and returned to Deepdale.

But despite the disappointment, Jackett was still impressed by what he had seen during his brief stay and had no hesitation in making a second attempt to lure the midfielder back to The Den on a three-month loan following Abdou’s injury scare.

The Millwall boss said: “We made the enquiry after Jimmy Abdou got injured on Saturday against Hearts.

“We hope Jimmy isn’t out for too long but it crystalised the need for another midfield player.

“I’d had a good look at Darren anyway in Exeter for five days and with that in mind, it was good work because it proved to be useful this week.

“With Shaun Batt’s injury it didn’t take a lot of working out we had to just be very careful and see the extent of that injury to see whether we needed to bring people in.

“It proved to be a bad injury and in the next few days after the Wimbledon game we did move to bring in James Henry and Kevin Lisbie, which were two positions Shaun covers as well.”

Millwall have been linked with a host of strikers in recent weeks but the boss added he is no nearer to bringing anyone in yet.

“We are always looking but I wouldn’t say there is anything close or imminent,” added Jackett.

One striker heading out of the club is Gary Alexander, who this morning penned a deal with Brentford.

Jackett says the Bees were not the only side interested in securing Alexander’s services, but their desire to get the player ultimately proved decisive.

He said: “I had a call from one or two other clubs but Brentford were the ones who pursued it the most and actually put a bid on the table.”

Millwall kick off their Championship campaign at Bristol City on Saturday where they will be up against an England keeper in the shape of David James.

Jackett said: “It is a very good acquisition by Bristol City to get David James because he is a good goalkeeper. “Bristol City are one of the clubs who have aspirations to get promoted so it is a great start for us at Ashton Gate.

“We can’t wait to get into it now and I want to see how my players look at this level now we’ve stepped up.

“It will be a big challenge for us.”