Millwall boss Harris: Vital we support Jordan Archer – and he has confidence to bounce back from mistakes at Sunderland

Jordan Archer has got the full support of Neil Harris – with the Millwall boss backing his goalkeeper to bounce back from conceding two poor goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland.

The 24-year-old was at fault for Adam Matthews’ equaliser early in the second half as a harmless-looking cross deceived him.

And before that he was left flat-footed from Bryan Oviedo’s corner as Lewis Grabban struck from close range.

Harris immediately offered support to Archer after the full-time whistle at the Stadium of Light.

The former Tottenham goalkeeper’s form this season has seen him called up to the senior Scotland squad.

Archer, an ever-present in the Championship, is expected to retain his starting spot for tonight’s home match against Hull City.

“Unfortunately if you are a goalkeeper and make the slightest error then the ball ends up in the back of the net,” said Harris.

“A centre-forward misses a one-on-one or hits the bar from three yards out when he should have scored then it is gone onto something else. But if a goalkeeper makes a handling mistake or an error of judgement then it is the highlight of the day.

“When it is an isolated game and an isolated incident then you move on.

“It’s important we show support to Jordan on the back of a couple of errors. Everybody supports a centre-forward after a missed chance or if a centre-half allows the ball to go under their foot.

“Everybody supports a centre-forward after a missed chance or if a centre-half allows the ball to go under their foot.

“Young goalkeepers coming through probably get used to making an error in games. You have to bounce back straight away – that is what young goalkeepers do.

“Jordan has got lots of self-confidence. He knows he is a very good goalkeeper who certainly has got huge potential. He needs to make sure he is focused for 90 minutes.”

Millwall are yet to win in nine away fixtures this season but are hunting a fifth league success at The Den against a struggling Hull side.

Harris said: “I’d say the same about Hull as I did about Sunderland. I’ll probably say the same about Fulham on Saturday – they’ve got a wealth of talent and huge expensive squads.

“But Hull are another club who have not fired this season. It is down to us to exploit that, to make sure we make it as uncomfortable as possible.

“We need to play on the front foot and try to upset them.”