Jackett impressed by Millwall's winner against Leeds

The Lions looked like they were heading for a 0-0 draw despite playing the majority of the second half with a one-man advantage following Luke Varney’s 48th minute red card for an elbow on Adam Smith.

But up popped Chris Wood five minutes from time to head home the deciding goal after Shane Lowry whipped in a delightful cross.

Jackett said: “It was a real quality goal that decided it, a fantastic ball from Shane and Chris was in the right place at the right time.

“It was a really good quality goal which decided it so I’m very pleased.

“Any win in the Championship is very hard earned, it was today.

“Millwall v Leeds games are very passionate games and today was no different but we are pleased to come out as the top side against a club as big as Leeds.”

Jackett also had no doubts about Varney’s dismissal, a decision questioned by Neil Warnock after the final whistle.

“My first impressions were that it was a red,” the Lions chief said.

“I haven’t seen it again but that was my first impression.”

Today’s success extended Millwall’s unbeaten run to 10 games and Jackett praised his squad after for the feat.

He explained: “It is an achievement, it shows there is some character in the dressing room.

“We feel we’ve really done it by reducing the goals against column.

“It was a very good clean sheet again today by the whole team and we have to keep working hard at that. How long can we go?

“Well we have two tough away trips to Blackburn and Wolves.

“They are great games and ones which we look forward to. They can’t come quick enough.”

Jackett added: “It is great to be in this league and we are very pleased to be in here and competing.

“Going to Ewood Park and Molineux are games to look forward to as a manager and you should as a player if you are up there and competing.

“It is a very expensive division and we want to try to do well.

“We are under no illusions, we have to really be working hard to make sure that every point is earned, and it is hard earned in this division.”

Jackett was also keen to praise the impact made by second half substitutes James Henry and Dany N’Guessan in today’s success.

He said: “James Henry has been a good player for us over a number of years, anyone who comes here regularly will see what he can do.

“It was only on Saturday he passed fit 100 per cent so to have him on the bench and make an impact, it was certainly needed today.

“That was the case and I was very pleased with him and Dany N’Guessan in a shorter period of time on the other side.

“It certainly gave us some presence and some fresh legs going down the sides.

“Both subs played their part today and that’s where you need the squad, the players and the competition.

“Thin dividing lines can win and lose you games.”

Darius Henderson was again missing today through injury and Jackett doesn’t expect him back for next Saturday’s trip to Blackburn.

“I don’t think he will be fit for next Saturday, maybe the Saturday after the way Darius is,” the manager said.

“He will be an addition for us, there is no doubt about that.

“As well as the lads have done we want to get him back and get him fit.

“I’m pleased to get James Henry back today, albeit from the subs bench.

“You need good subs to go again in that last half an hour to make the difference.

“A key for us is keeping people fit and keeping people available.

“While we respect that everybody gets injuries, we try very hard with a small squad to keep as many people fit and available as possible in what will be a tough period going through the winter.

“We need to work hard and have as many people fit and available as possible to pick up the points and keep adding to an increasing points total.”

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