Millwall boss admits his team still has plenty of room to improve despite high expectations

Millwall manager Alex Neil believes the EFL Cup meeting with Queens Park Rangers provided an important test for his new recruits as they prepare for the demands of Championship football.

Jenson Metcalfe was handed a starting role as Millwall secured a 2-0 victory on penalties at Loftus Road. The midfielder was one of several summer additions given an opportunity to experience the intensity of a competitive fixture against Championship opposition.

Mark Sykes, who already has extensive second-tier experience from his time with Bristol City, replaced Ryan Leonard at right-back. His evening included an unfortunate own goal, but he recovered to successfully convert his penalty in the shootout after captain Jake Cooper had also found the net from the spot.

Neil also introduced Kyrell Lisbie and Tairyk Arconte during the second half as he continued to assess his options ahead of the new league campaign.

Reflecting on Metcalfe’s display, Neil admitted that both the youngster and the team as a whole took time to settle into the contest. However, he was encouraged by the midfielder’s improvement after the interval.

The Millwall boss highlighted Metcalfe’s ability to win possession, make tackles and show determination when attempting to regain the ball. He also pointed to a couple of promising situations created from turnovers, although he felt the team could have made more of those opportunities.

Arconte provided Millwall with a different attacking outlet after coming on, particularly through his willingness to make runs behind the QPR defence. Lisbie, meanwhile, did not see as much of the ball but still impressed Neil with his desire to run at opponents and make himself available.

Sykes also earned praise for his response after the own goal. Neil noted that the defender made an important recovery late in the game, blocking an effort after initially allowing his opponent to get ahead of him.

While Sykes already understands what Championship football requires, Neil believes the fixture was particularly valuable for the less experienced members of his squad.

With Millwall’s league opener against Bristol City at Ashton Gate approaching, Neil knows there is still considerable work to do. Rather than focusing solely on the positive result, the manager wants his players to learn from the areas where they struggled.

Neil acknowledged that the performance contained plenty of encouraging moments, but he also stressed that his team must improve significantly if it is to meet its own expectations.

The Millwall boss believes there are still several levels for the squad to reach, making the QPR encounter an important learning experience rather than simply a result to celebrate.