Jackett: We need to make final pass count (From News Shopper)

Jackett: We need to make final pass count

7:45pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in Football By Paul Green

KENNY Jackett has challenged his Millwall side to be more creative in future after today’s 0-0 draw with Derby.

The Lions enjoyed some decent spells but ultimately were unable to break down a resolute Derby defence on a freezing afternoon at The Den.

And Jackett believes better deliveries and crosses between now and the end of the season will produce more positive results if his attacking players can use a bit more guile where it matters.

The manager said: “We had a lot of pressure on a very resolute Derby defence, a lot of pressure and couldn’t convert that obviously into the goals that we needed.

“We were rarely in trouble at the back but in the second half it was wave after wave and pretty much all of the play was in the Derby half. We couldn’t just create those chances.

“The Derby centre halves defended very well.

“At times, particularly from wide areas in the final third, we put the ball in too early, too quickly and perhaps too predictably.

“You need to maybe draw sides out, move them around - you’ve certainly got to shift that back four around a little bit more.

“If you don’t end up putting the ball in the box that many times perhaps it can go in with more quality to then create the chances that you need.”

Today’s draw lifted Millwall up one spot in the table above Bristol City after the Robins were beaten 3-0 at Hull.

And with Nottingham Forest drawing with Watford, it is a case of as you were with Jackett’s Lions still five points above the drop zone.

“It is not a bad result at all,” he said.

“There is some frustration because obviously you want to win, but when you are looking at the table it looks like a point gained.

“When you see how things went elsewhere in the country it does look like a point gained in that respect but sometimes there is an anxiety and an anxiety here (at The Den).

“We started the game very well and very brightly. That’s how we have to play, we have to be brave enough to play like that.”

Jackett added: “There were two good chances in the first half; Paul Robinson’s header, which I thought was in, and then Bryson’s one, which came off David Forde.

“The pitch is such it sat up and perhaps David instead of gathering it should have pushed it wide.

“They were the two outstanding chances of the half.”

Jackett was at least able to take positives from his new central midfield pairing.

“Josh Wright and Ryan Mason did well, even Ryan in the second half when we switched to 4-4-2 and he went out on the left,” the boss explained.

“He is gaining his confidence now after his groin injury stopped him from coming to us straight away.

“People are starting to see the type of ability he has. I am looking for him to score as well because I think he is capable of breaking through and getting goals at Millwall.”

And the pairing of returning skipper Robinson and Shane Lowry at the heart of Millwall’s defence also pleased the boss, particularly Robbo’s crucial challenge just inside the area to deny Nathan Tyson.

Jackett added: “It was a good clean sheet for the two centre halves and I’m confident in that position with Robinson, Lowry, Ward and Craig.

“I think it is a good area for us.

“Robinson did make an excellent tackle and he senses danger very well.

“You have to make sure that while you are on top like that you can keep the backdoor shut because sides like Derby County are good at playing 4-5-1 and soaking it up like they did.

“You’ve always got to watch on the counter attack that you don’t give a goal away.”

Jackett also elaborated on his decision to keep Liam Feeney on the bench despite his late cup winner in midweek.

“I brought Liam Feeney on for Harry Kane at half-time and wanted him to make the type of positive impact he made at Southampton by scoring a winner,” the manager said.

“They’re good options up there and Liam has started every game since he has been here and I thought he was starting to look tired to be honest with you.

“It is nice to have the option to rest him out of some games and bring him on from the bench.

“Not too many times but I felt that it was needed and he almost needed to be freshened up by that.

“He was close to starting but in the end in terms of those two positions down the right in Dunne and Henry to go again because it was such a good performance on Tuesday.”

With so many players fit and available for selection, the Lions boss also accepted it is the strongest squad he has had to choose from all season.

Jackett said: “It is a good situation and I hope it stays that way.

“When you look at Brighton, Bolton, Middlesbrough etc there is a lot of games and we are going to need everybody.

“Will everybody stay fit and will everybody stay free of suspension? I would love it to but experience tells me it won’t be the case.

“I think we will need everybody and also substitutes – good positive changes and fresh energy - they’re important as well.”

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