Shaun Williams is close to triggering a one-year extension clause in his Millwall contract.

The midfielder needs to make five more starts this season to extend his stay at the Den until the summer of 2019.

And that is very likely to happen given Williams’ importance to Neil Harris’ side.

Williams, 31, started Millwall’s opening 10 Championship games before suffering a serious knee injury in September.

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But he made his first-team return as a late substitute in the goalless draw with Aston Villa on Saturday. The Lions won just twice during his absence.

And after playing an hour for the Under-23s on Monday, Williams is fit enough to start against Middlesbrough this weekend.

Millwall signed Williams from MK Dons for an undisclosed fee in 2014. He played a crucial role in the club’s promotion-winning campaign last term, making 56 appearances.