Millwall midfielder Ed Upson admitted he and the squad would like to see Neil Harris put in charge permanently at The Den.

Ex-striker Harris has overseen a mini revival since taking up his new position on an interim basis until the end of the season, including a derby victory over Charlton and introducing several academy graduates into the first team squads.

But despite battling hard for 90 minutes on Saturday, Millwall’s three-game unbeaten run was ended by two pieces of real quality as Watford showed why they could well be gracing the Premier League next season.

And afterwards Upson revealed he and the rest of team would support the decision should the club decide to appoint Harris permanently.

He said: “I really like him.

“All the lads in the dressing room are right behind him and it would be great to see him as the main man on a permanent basis.

“He’s one of those men, and I’ve said it before, that you want to do well for.”

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Upson added: “He understands the club, everyone that works here and the fans and he puts that across to us.

“We just try hard. It wasn’t enough today, but it will be on other days.

“We could have got something out of today but it was just a few bits of quality from them.”

There has also been a significant improvement in the atmosphere at The Den since Harris took charge and Upson was keen to praise the supporters after the Watford defeat.

He explained: “I thought the fans were great today actually.

“They really stuck with us.

“Even at the end we went out for a warm down and they came out of the boxes and said ‘well done’ and were clapping.

“They can see how much effort we’re putting in and how hard we’re trying and all they want to see is 110 percent in every game.

“Obviously we’re giving that and the results will come.”

Millwall could have had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot on Saturday but referee Simon Hooper waved away the home side’s vociferous appeals after Upson appeared to be fouled.

Harris suggested after the game it was as clear a penalty as you will see, something Upson was in full agreement with.

He said: “It was definitely a penalty. He (the referee) said there was contact but not enough contact.

“But I’m running at goal in the penalty area so I don’t know how much contact he wants there to be, but obviously it’s his decision.

“I’m disappointed because I’m not the sort of person that dives or go does down and I said that to him. He said: ‘I know but there wasn’t enough contact.’

“Referees come here and they seem to feel extra pressure for some reason.

“I don’t know what you’re allowed to say about refs to be honest, so I better not say anything.”

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