Having called on Millwall to keep their levels up following the FA Cup victory over Southend United, manager Neil Harris was delighted to see the side do just that as they took a three one victory over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the newly fangled EFL Trophy in midweek.
Taking the comprehensive victory, Millwall did actually find themselves a goal behind in the second half has Shaun Hutchinson put the ball into his own net, but Fred Onyedinma had us back on level terms inside of the final 20 minutes and then a brace from Harry Smith tied up the affair.
Speaking to the official site in his post game press conference, Harris admitted Smith was definitely the ‘difference’ on the day and he couldn’t have been more delighted for the youngster to mark his debut in that fashion.
Millwall obviously finished in top spot in Group H to secure progression though to the next stage.
‘I thought it was a good solid Millwall performance and the difference between the two sides was Harry Smith. I think Paul Rooney and Kyron Farrell performed really well. Kyron used the ball in midfield really well and on the whole, I was really pleased for all the young lads.’
As for momentum and the team being on a high, he added.
‘This is six wins in seven for us and I really wanted to go out and win tonight. We look forward to the home tie next round, that will be important for us progressing in this competition.’
In Smith’s own post game press interviews, the 21 year old admitted it couldn’t have been a better debut for him and he loved every second of it.
‘A debut like that is something I dreamt of as a kid and it’s a night I will always remember.’
Smith admitted it’s been a lot of hard work getting to this point, but he felt it had paid off, even if he knows there’s plenty more hard work to come now – but he’s determined to make the most of it following his time in non league and with him entertaining thoughts of quitting the game fullstop.
‘There have been times I have thought about quitting and giving up because I didn’t think I would get to this point in time. That’s why tonight is so special for me. I have grown so much since joining the Club. Learning from the likes of Steve Morison and Tony Craig has been phenomenal for my development as a player.’
With Kyron Farrell and Paul Rooney also impressing on their debuts, Smith commented all three of them knew there was still a long way ahead but night’s like that would help.
‘This is just the start for me. As players on the fringes, we need to keep our heads down and keep chipping away and be prepared when the next opportunity comes around.’
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