Neil Harris' Millwall relief ahead of Sunderland visit after 'bonkers' claim

MILLWALL boss Neil Harris was happy for a much-needed breather ahead of the visit of Sunderland after the international break - labelling the Lions' recent fixture schedule as "bonkers".

In the week leading up to the current stoppage, Millwall hosted Burnley on the Sunday, played Leeds on the Wednesday and then travelled to Stoke for an early kick-off on Saturday.

The schedule didn't have much of an impact on the Lions, who picked up seven points to extend their impressive unbeaten stretch in the Championship to seven games.

But Harris admitted he'd had to fight his frustrations.

“It’s the seven points in the week that are massive for us,” the Millwall boss told London News Online.

“I’ve been very careful what to say before the [Stoke] game – because I didn’t want it to affect my football club and my players – but we finished last Sunday at quarter-past five against Burnley. This is our third game in less than six days. It’s bonkers. We are put in a situation, so just huge credit to my players for a battling performance and some really good chances created."

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Sunderland's first game back after the break is a tough test against a side who haven't lost since October 1 and have only conceded one goal in their last four home fixtures.

Since Harris was re-appointed as boss back in February, Millwall have picked up more Championship points than any other side.

Harris said: “I can’t thank them enough or be any prouder of the team – but we won’t settle for that. We want to keep upsetting teams, keep outperforming teams and stay in the top reaches of the division.”