Claridge works his way back for Lions

Millwall skipper Stuart Nethercott believes his side can cope with the departure of on-loan striker Richard Naylor now that Steve Claridge is back from a knee injury.

Naylor has returned to Ipswich but Claridge is available for tonight's home game against Preston after six weeks on the sidelines.

The former Portsmouth striker will be 36 next month but Nethercott rates him as one of the best in the business.

"It's great to have Steve back because the amount of work he puts in is top class," he said.

"Every time the ball goes up to him you know it is going to stick and the amount of freekicks he gets in the opposition half is tremendous. The fact that his work-rate is so high at the age of 35 is fantastic."

Millwall manager Mark McGhee has set his side a target of 14 more points from their remaining 10 games in order to secure a First Division promotion play-off place.

Nethercott added: "This is a massive game for us because it gives us the opportunity to put Preston further out of contention."

Midfielder Steven Reid is suspended but he was also struggling with a hamstring injury. Striker Neil Harris is hoping to return after missing the weekend draw against Barnsley.

Defender Darren Ward also stands by to continue to deputise for Sean Dyche, who was ill on Saturday.

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