Alex Neil explains what Barry Bannan has given Millwall ahead of emotional Sheffield Wednesday reunion
Alex Neil has explained how Barry Bannan has added a different dimension to Millwall’s midfield ahead of their clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
Bannan made a shock move away from Wednesday last month, penning an 18-month deal at Millwall after over a decade at Hillsborough.
The 36-year-old left having not been given assurances over the club’s future and has already made an impression in the capital.
Playing in an advanced role ahead of Billy Mitchell and Casper De Norre, Bannan helped the Lions pick up a 2-0 win away at Wrexham last week.
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The sight of the midfield working smoothly in tandem was a welcome one for Millwall fans after a period in which injury plagued the middle of the park.
Alex Neil on Millwall’s midfield
Neil told News at Den: “Billy and Casper being back have been great as a partnership. Barry Bannan gives us an alternative in terms of a little bit more passing range – splitting lines and looking forward.
“We’ve got Derek [Mazou-Sacko] back, which gives us a bit of height and a bit of size and a bit of bite in the middle.
“Luke Cundle’s a great rotator of the ball and has a great understanding of the game. Camiel Neghli has shown that he can play as a number eight brilliantly, he can play as a ten, he can play off the left, he can play off the right.
“We’ve got some really, really good options right across the middle of the pitch. The boys are competing really well for the first-team slots.”
Barry Bannan set to return
Talk of Bannan splitting lines was common at Wednesday for over a decade and the Hillsborough faithful will undoubtedly find it tough to see the Scot in opposition colours.
However, sentiment will have to be put aside with Bannan now part of a dangerous side chasing promotion to the Premier League.
Neil’s men sit fifth, five points behind the second automatic promotion slot, and will fancy their chances against rock-bottom Wednesday.