Joe Martin has heaped praise on Jordan Archer, stating that the Millwall goalkeeper has proved himself for the club this season.

Archer, 23, has enjoyed a breakthrough year for the Lions and has become Neil Harris’ first-choice stopper in front of David Forde.

The former Scotland U21 star has saved Millwall points throughout the season with a number of superb performances.

Martin said: “Some of the saves he’s pulled off this year, he’s kept us in games. He’s been excellent and proved himself this year.

“He hadn’t played too many games up until this year so it was a big thing for him and he’s been keeping Fordey out of the team, a full international, which speak volumes.”

Martin, who signed a one-year deal with Millwall last summer, is enjoying a fine campaign himself.

The left-back has already made 38 appearances this season and scored a stunning free-kick in the 3-1 win at Bradford in the first leg of the semi-final.

Shortly before the goal, he was at fault for Bradford’s opener after being penalised for a foul and a penalty in the space of a few seconds.

Reflecting on the clash at Valley Parade, Martin said: “I think I needed to score, I had a crazy little minute early on so it was important to get that goal.

“It gave us that control of the tie and we knew coming back to the Den that we had the advantage because the atmosphere would be electric and it was.”

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