MANAGER Kenny Jackett praised the character of his Millwall side after they bounced back from defeat at Leeds with a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup second round last night.

The Lions had won their first three games of the new season before suffering a comprehensive 3-1 reverse at Elland Road on Saturday.

But Jackett’s side responded with a first class display to see off Gordon Strachan’s big-spending Boro outfit to progress to the third round of the competition.

A powerful Steve Morison penalty, after Alan Dunne was bundled over in the box by Tarmo Kink, set the Lions on their way before a close-range finish from Liam Trotter doubled their advantage before the break.

A blunder by Millwall keeper David Forde, who allowed Scott McDonald’s chip to drop over his head when he thought it was going over the bar, gave Boro some late hope but the Lions deservedly held on for their third win in four games.

“It was a good result and a good performance against a good team,” Jackett said after the game.

“There were a lot of good performances from our players tonight and we had to be right at top of our game to overcome a team of that standard.”

The Lions boss expressed his disappointment after the defeat at Elland Road but only made one change to his side for the cup tie, a decision he felt had been vindicated.

“It was a challenge for us today given the Leeds result.

“I could have made ten changes after that game but I decided to only make one because I want to be consistent in my selection policy.

“You never want to go on a run of losses and we certainly didn’t want a second defeat in a row.

“I’m pleased to say against one of the bigger Championship clubs we equipped ourselves well and put on a good performance.”

Jackett also refused to criticise Forde for his mistake.

“He made an error but over the last two years he has been an excellent goalkeeper for us," the boss added.

“He has got to put that one behind him now.

“It didn't cost us and he has enough experience to come back from that and I am sure he will.”

Jackett’s attention now turns to the clash with Coventry this weekend but he will be hoping the Carling Cup third round draw at lunch time on Saturday pairs his Lions with a big Premier League club.

“It would be terrific to get a big draw,” he said.

“A Premier League club would be great. We’ll see if the draw is kind to us.”