Lions chief Neil Harris admits he is a bit surprised Derby County will miss out on automatic promotion.

Millwall host the Rams on Saturday with both sides needing the points for very different reasons.

Derby know three points will guarantee their play-off spot while Harris’ charges need to win to keep alive their hopes of beating the drop.

Steve McClaren’s team looked certain to go up automatically for long periods of the campaign but a recent dip in form has proved costly, although Harris feels there is no shame in a play-off spot this year.

He said: “With their quality yes it is a surprise that they’ve slipped away, but also we know the quality of the league.

“Even for clubs like Derby it is tough competing with the Watfords, Middlesbroughs and Bournemouths and their quality.

“Nothing surprises me at the top of this division because it is the best Championship I’ve ever seen quality wise.

“I’m sure they will be disappointed they’ve slipped away but they are competing against top sides.”

Harris added: “It is going to be a really tough game and a good challenge for us.

“They are a very good side with dangerous players.

“You find out every week that the Championship is a terrific league with some huge teams richly sourced from the Premier League with international pedigree.

“A lot of teams especially at the top have spent money bringing players in so it is difficult for us, we know that.

“But it is a challenge and if our players perform like they did against Brighton, Charlton, Watford and Wigan then I will be delighted.”

When asked if Millwall would get the chance to compete again next season in the Championship, Harris replied: “Difficult but the belief is still there.

“The focus is just on the next game, which is what we’ve said all the way through. Before Tuesday night we had to win two games.

“We still need to win two games I think to have a chance of staying in the division in my opinion.

“Is there pressure on us?

“Yes of course there is and we need to perform but the basic principles of what we are after has been achieved in every game.

“The end product in both boxes needs to be better on Saturday.”

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