KENNY Jackett has warned his defence to be careful of the threat posed by Charlie MacDonald in tomorrow evening’s Den derby with Brentford.
The former Charlton and Gravesend striker has been in prolific form for the Bees this season and struck a brace in Tuesday’s 3-2 success at Oldham.
Millwall go into the meeting as strong odds-on favourites after climbing to within one goal of Leeds in the second automatic promotion spot.
However, manager Jackett is taking nothing for granted and singled out MacDonald as Brentford’s key man to watch.
The Lions chief said: “Charlie MacDonald has done very well and has got 14 goals.
“He has a big heart and quite a lot of quality as well, which has caused defences in League One quite a few problems.
“Brentford have coped very well since their promotion from League Two and have already got 50 points.
“They’ve competed and been very solid in our division, scoring three goals away from home in the last two games they’ve played.
"Easter is a very important period and every year it turns out to be crucial at the top end of the table.
“We have a London derby and then meet one of our competitors in the top six in Colchester, so they are big games and ones to look forward to.
“There will be a decent crowd and a good atmosphere against Brentford tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it.”
Jackett opted to withdraw regular strike duo Steve Morison and Neil Harris quite early on once it became clear the points were bagged in last weekend’s 5-0 demolition of Stockport.
However, he strongly hinted the pair would start against the Bees on Good Friday.
Jackett explained: “We need to make sure we keep everybody fresh and fit, as well as giving the likes of Shaun Batt and Jonathan Obika some game time because they deserve it.
“They’ve done very well and it is nice to have them there.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say they are going to replace the two strikers we have at the moment but it is certainly nice to have them there, even in different formations.
“Sometimes we can go with three players with one of those wide and it is an opportunity for me to look at all kinds of options.”
Lewis Grabban joined Brentford on loan last week but the terms of that deal prevent him from facing his parent club.
Adam Bolder this week extended his loan stay at Bradford until the end of the campaign but Jackett revealed both he and Grabban could still have a part to play in the Lions’ promotion bid if called upon.
He added: “We have three players in Adam, Jason Price and Lewis Grabban out on loan at the moment.
“It is good for them to get game time should they be needed for Millwall later on.
“We will keep an eye on all of our loan players and see where they are because it is all done with Millwall in mind.”
Alan Dunne is Millwall’s only injury doubt for the Brentford clash with a minor niggle.
His fitness will be assessed after training today before a final decision is made on whether he will be available for selection or not.
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