Lions ace Morison eyes up the Arch

by Danny Rust

Steve Morison has enjoyed play-off success with Millwall before, but the Wales international is just as hungry to add another League One play-off winner’s medal to his collection.

The Lions have booked their play-off place and will be looking to clinch an immediate return to the Championship if they can reach Wembley on May 29.

Morison, 32, partnered current Millwall boss Neil Harris up front in the 2010 play-off final, where a Paul Robinson header was enough to get the better of Swindon Town.

“It was one of the most memorable days of my career,” said the ex-Norwich and Leeds striker. “I won the first three times I went to Wembley. It’s not a place to lose, as I did once with Wales against England. As a kid, you dream about being a professional footballer and Wembley is the one stadium you want to be at.”

Morison, now in his third spell with Millwall, is confident the Lions can win promotion back to the Championship via the play-offs.

“You have three games to achieve promotion, and in each of those you have to produce unbelievable performances,” said Morison.

“Hopefully we can see out the regular season with another win and go into the play-offs with momentum and confidence.”

Millwall struggled at first to adapt to life back in the third tier. Harris’ side lost three of their opening five games, but the Lions have timed their charge to perfection.

A total of 42 goals from the prolific partnership of Morison (18) and Lee Gregory (24) has been a significant reason for that.

And the Lions are now desperate for 27-year-old former Halifax marksman Gregory to return from stomach surgery in time for the play-offs.

“Lee has followed a similar path to me,” said vice-captain Morison, “but when I first came into professional football I was able to have a season of progression in League One.

“Lee went straight in at the deep end in the Championship last season and scored a few goals, despite playing in a team that was struggling.

“He’s dropped down a level this year and whether he has played with me or not, he has been fantastic.”

“He is certainly ready for Championship football again and I’m sure if we do get back there he would score even more goals that he did last time.”

*This article was originally published in The FLP on 8 May 2016.