Jackett: Leeds will be different from Charlton (From News Shopper)

Jackett: Leeds will be different from Charlton

2:22pm Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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KENNY Jackett says Saturday’s derby win over Charlton counts for nothing as Millwall prepare to battle it out with Leeds on Monday evening.

The Lions know victory at Elland Road will take them to within three points of Simon Grayson’s side, who currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot.

Millwall are the in-form team in League One and travel to Yorkshire with confidence sky high following their 4-0 demolition of Charlton.

However, Jackett claims the Addicks result is ancient history and all that matters now are the games which are left, starting with Monday’s televised clash at Leeds.

He told News Shopper: “My focus is to look forward, look at the opportunity which is there and the size of the games.

“It is a very exciting time and run in.

“All of our players must look now at what is ahead because all they’ve done so far is given themselves the opportunity for these games to be crucial.

“Leeds will be a different game from Charlton.

“There is always a cut off and if we could carry on from there, that would be fantastic.

“Both Millwall and Leeds are in the top six looking for promotion again and it is live on the television, so that makes it an exciting game.

“To play in those games and have that opportunity is something we’ve got to relish.

“We have to focus on the things which win us the games and not focus on the occasion, because sometimes in games like these it can all go very quickly and perhaps we haven’t done ourselves justice.”

Jackett added: “At this stage of the season every win you can get is crucial because the sides at the top of this division have won pretty consistently.

“If you look at the Championship, League One and League Two, the points total for our division to get in the top six looks like it is going to be the highest.

“League One games have been very well attended this year, certainly the highest I can ever remember at this level.

“The reason for that is because there are so many big clubs, which generates a lot of media interest.

“Monday will be a very big game and a great one to play in against a team we are competing directly against going into the final 10 matches of the season.”

Leeds looked nailed on to run away with the title in the first half of the season but their form has slumped since beating Manchester United 1-0 in the FA Cup third round in early January.

Their stuttering results may have come as a surprise to many but although admitting he isn’t aware of everything which goes on at Elland Road, the change in fortunes doesn’t appear to have shocked Jackett.

He explained: “I’m not surprised because I’ve been through it so many times.

“Wherever you are, you’ve got to get up to that 75 points plus total to have a chance. If somebody gets to 35 in a short period of games, they’ve still got to get from 35 to 75 somehow.

“If one side doesn’t do it, then another one will.

“We are on 65 at the moment and I actually think fifth or sixth will be around the 80 mark this year.

“You’ve got to get up there first without worrying about the other sides too much because if you don’t get there, somebody else will.”

Jackett added: “Leeds are a really big club and have a great opportunity. I don’t know really what has been there overall form.

“We’ve watched the last two games but I can’t really comment on what Leeds are doing to be honest with you because I just haven’t seen enough of their games.

“I see their team selection and look at the results but I’m not aware of whether they’ve been unlucky, had penalty appeals turned down or hit the post.”

Neil Harris has yet to train this week after coming off the bench in the second half against Charlton, but the striker is expected to be available for selection on Monday.