Mark Beevers feels Leeds United are the perfect opponents for Millwall to start the new season against as the countdown to the big kick-off continues.

Encounters between the Lions and the Yorkshire side at The Den have always provided plenty of spark and Millwall will be looking to carry on their impressive home record in the clash when the two sides meet again for the Championship opener on August 9.

Despite hitting hard times over the past decade, as a Yorkshireman defender Beevers is fully aware of Leeds’ historic high stature in the game and can’t wait to take them on again next month.

He said: “I just want the games to start to be honest.

“It is what any footballer wants - for the league games to start - and what a game to start with having Leeds at home.

“We couldn't have picked a better game to be honest - the big team up north against us who are a really passionate team with passionate fans.

“It’s a good clash to kick-off the campaign with.”

Beevers played in the second half of Millwall’s 1-0 pre-season success at Dartford on Tuesday evening.

The 24-year-old was pleased with the run out but is now looking to step up his fitness another level with the Championship campaign now just over three weeks away.

He said: “We’ve had a tough first two or three weeks, done some running and we got the balls out quickly as well.

“The boys have worked really hard but the work starts now really.

“Games are coming thick and fast so it is all about getting some minutes out of those games and preparing for Leeds.

“We got our own off-season programmes from the fitness coach on what we need to work on individually we've got different thing to work on.

“As long as you stick to that and you come in reasonably fit, you’ve got a base to work on and go from there.

“The boys have come back really fit and the gaffer is really pleased with where we are at since day one.”

Beevers added: “Looking at the Dartford game the boys were stroking it around pretty well.

“We’ve adapted to how the manager wants us to play, fitness wise were looking top draw.

“We need to get these games in and get the boys firing, we only got one goal (v Dartford) but I’m more than confident we can make more chances and put the ball in the back of the net.”

Millwall may have spent most of last year battling against relegation but Beevers firmly believes they can challenge for promotion in what will Ian Holloway’s first full campaign in charge at The Den.

He said: “Any Championship side’s target is to get promoted and we’re no different.

“The manager has done it with two different teams, so there’s no reason why he cant do it here.

“But ultimately it boils down to us as a team.

“Looking around the changing room I think we’ve got enough talent to get us up there so there is no reason why we can’t do it.”

Follow @NewsShopperSprt on Twitter for live updates from Millwall’s next pre-season game at Stevenage on Saturday