Could Millwall do permanent deal for Ben Marshall? Lions boss Neil Harris answers the question

EXCLUSIVE

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

richard.cawley@slp.co.uk

Neil Harris is not ruling out a permanent move for Ben Marshall after Millwall secured the loan signing of the Norwich City winger.

The 27-year-old had been one of their top transfer targets in the summer with his Wolves future over. 

But the Canaries jumped in on negotiations when they were at an advanced stage – making the financial demands of a deal too rich for the South Londoners.

Marshall has not featured in the Championship since the end of August and that saw him come back on to Millwall’s wanted list well before the January transfer window opened.

Harris is playing his cards close to his chest over the former Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City man’s longer-term future.

“I’ve always said nothing in football surprises me anymore,” he said. “Ben enjoyed playing for us last season and has come back to enjoy his football and try to help us be better. 

“We won’t get too far ahead of ourselves. I’d always like to think there is an end product with every loan we do – in and out. 

“It is about the next game, Ben is in the building now and in the squad for the weekend.

“Ben got a great move to Norwich in the summer – probably off the back of not just what he has achieved in his career but also how he played for us in the second half of last season.

“Norwich have had a fantastic run at the start of the season and Ben has found himself on the periphery. We asked the question if he would be available, it was a little bit more in hope than anything. Ben needed some football and  he showed a willingness to want to come and play for us.

“It is sensible business all round. Ben enjoys our culture and environment – he’ll look to put in performances to help us win games. It works for Norwich, they have got a player out and he’ll maybe go back to them in a good place in the summer.”

Marshall scored three goals and claimed five assists in his last Lions loan stint. Millwall won 10 and drew four of the 16 matches he featured in.

He had gone 14 league games without playing at Wolves when he signed at the end of the last January window. 

Marshall did get a rare Norwich Cty run-out in the FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth.

“Ben’s fully aware there is going to be expectation on his shoulders because of what he did last season – that people expect him to replicate that,” said Harris.

“If he does, fantastic, but there is no pressure from me. He is a little bit behind some of our lads – because of a lack of football – but he has not missed a training session. He has been fit and involved on the bench. We have got time after the weekend to try and help him get up to speed because he can’t be involved against Everton.

“Ben will be the first to admit it wasn’t just his influence that won those games last season – it’s about the team ethic. He adds quality. 

“We’ve created a lot of chances this year and scored a good amount of goals but last Saturday made it clear we have missed that little bit of an edge in the final third.”

Summer signing Jiri Skalak could be allowed to leave on loan. The Czech Republic international did not even make the bench against Blackburn and Marshall’s arrival drops him further down the pecking order.

“Jiri is probably more than likely to be here after the January window but I wouldn’t rule out a loan move if the opportunity arose,” said Harris. “He is still finding his feet and adapting to life at Millwall. We’ve seen glimpses of his quality.

“It is always about Millwall first, but closely followed by what a player needs.”

PICTURES BY BRIAN TONKS