Busy times for Lions boss

12:04pm Thursday 28th August 2008

MILLWALL boss Kenny Jackett is expecting a busy afternoon in the transfer market.

The Lions boss is waiting to hear from NEC Nijmegen whether they intend to sign 21-year-old winger Ryan Smith following a trial with the Dutch side.

And Jackett dropped a strong hit Smith's anticipated exit could result in fresh faces arriving at The Den.

He told News Shopper: "We have possibilities in terms of people coming in.

"It will probably be a busy afternoon with a lot obviously depending on what happens with Ryan Smith and the Dutch club.

"He has gone out to speak to Nijmegen and we will have some more information probably by lunchtime today.

"It all depends on how those discussions go as to whether they take him on loan or whether they want to sign a contract.

"He is available if somebody wants to take him and if that helps me to be creative in other areas, then I will."

Jackett added: "We will see what the result is of those talks.

"Obviously it has come out publicly and this wasn't something we intended, but these things have a habit of leaking out.

"It was our intention he would be back here today and if it doesn't work out, that would be the end of it."

Ebbsfleet United's highly-rated young striker John Akinde is an individual Jackett has expressed an interest before and is currently the subject of a £140,000 bid from an unnamed league club.

However, despite the Lions boss saying earlier this month he would continue to monitor Akinde's situation, the manager confirmed Millwall are not in the running.

He added: "It isn't us. Before we got Tresor Kandol in we did speak about Akinde, but we went for Tresor."

Millwall entertain fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town on Saturday and the boss is looking for an end to the Lions' poor run of form at The Den.

He said: "They look like they've got some good players and were unlucky last night against Sheffield United when they were 1-0 up.

"It is a similar story to ourselves really, but we have four of the next five games at home and it will be a really important period for us.

"We have to show enough leadership to go and play those games and show we are going to be strong this season by making the most of home advantage."

Jackett will be boosted by the return from injury of Danny Spiller, but Marc Laird is definitely out and the manager will find out later today if Gary Alexander (ankle) will be available.

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