MILLWALL manager Kenny Jackett is expecting a quiet transfer deadline day after agreeing to let Shaun Batt join Leyton Orient on loan this morning.

The striker is heading to the O’s on a one-month deal with Jackett’s blessing after finding first team starting opportunities limited at The Den.

But any Lions fans hoping for a busy day of comings and goings look set to be disappointed, as the boss explained.

“Shaun Batt is going to Leyton Orient on loan but that is likely to be the only in or out today as things stand,” said Jackett.

“We are looking to bring players in.

“Are we close to anything?

“We are not right now, so it doesn’t look like there will be anything for us today.

“Shaun has had some substitute appearances but they have been few and far between so he needs to get out and play on a regular basis to get up to full speed.

“We think at the start of the year now is the right time for him to go.”

Batt’s exit wouldn’t have raised many eyebrows at the start of the month but the subsequent departures of Chris Wood and Darius Henderson means the Lions are still a bit short of options up front despite this week’s capture of Rob Hulse on loan from QPR.

Jackett admitted: “Maybe and there is no doubt we are still looking but for Shaun we do feel this is an opportunity to play some football.”

On Hulse’s signing, the Den chief said: “His experience and ability to hold the ball up are big attributes.

“Rob got three goals in 10 appearances for Charlton and did well for them earlier this season.

“He brings some physical presence to our front line that we will need.”

Meanwhile, one man whose short term future will definitely be decided today is on loan Tottenham defender Adam Smith.

Smith has been a big hit during his stay at The Den and Jackett remains hopeful the north London side will extend the deal.

The manager said: “We haven’t heard anything yet but he is training with us this morning, so that is a good sign.

“We do hope to hear from Spurs as the day goes on because today is the deadline for that one.”

Tamika Mkandawire is also training with the Lions for the first time since an injury sustained during his recent loan at Southend.

Jackett said: “He had a knee injury just at the end of his loan spell at Southend.

“Tam is fully fit and OK now and will be training today.

“He is still in my plans for this season but he just needs to get over this injury first.”

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