Ifill seeks a place in history

Millwall will tonight attempt to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 67 years.

The club can make it into the last four if they win their replay against Tranmere at Prenton Park.

Sunderland await the winners and whoever makes it to the final against Manchester United or Arsenal in Cardiff can expect a place in the UEFA Cup next season - the first time Millwall would have achieved European qualification.

Tonight's winner can expect to receive an extra £400,000 prize money plus a share of the semi-final gate receipts but Paul Ifill said today he did not even know what bonuses are on offer for reaching the final.

He said: "I have not got a clue how much we would get. I don't suppose the bonuses are particularly big and I did not even look at the start of the season because we have not got this far for a long time.

"We always look at the league bonuses because we fancy our chances to do well there, but I did not even think about the FA Cup. I am not going to look now because I don't want to jinx anything. Anyway, once you get to this stage it is not about the money. We are in a good position and know what to expect from Tranmere. We were disappointed not to beat them at our place and have got to do the business tonight."

Millwall will bank around £1.1million from their cup run, even if they get knocked out tonight. That will make the club secure for another year - and with Millwall looking good bets for the play-offs, they are on the verge of an historic season. Ifill said: "The club are going places at the moment and this could be a big year."

When Millwall made it into the semifinals in 1937 by beating Manchester City 2-0 they became the first team from what was the Third Division to do so.

Players on £2 win bonuses a round took the club through some tough ties from round one, disposing of Aldershot, Gateshead, Fulham, Chelsea, Derby and City. Ominously, they lost to Sunderland in the semi-final but Millwall have been more fortunate this season in the FA Cup.

They have knocked out Walsall, Telford and Burnley and were held to a goalless draw by Tranmere nine days ago.

Ifill said: "We have had a good run and every draw has given us a winnable tie. We have not had to face a Premiership side and are in a good position."

Millwall will be without striker Mark McCammon tonight because of concussion he suffered in the 3-1 win at Ipswich last weekend and player manager Dennis Wise faces a late fitness test on a knee injury.

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