Millwall boss Neil Harris wants his fringe players to take their chances.

Right-back Mahlon Romeo could be in line for his first league start of the season against Sheffield United on Saturday after Conor McLaughlin picked up a fifth yellow card in the 1-0 defeat to Fulham.

Harris said: “Players like Mahlon, Ben [Thompson], Tony [Craig] and the goalkeepers, they’ve had to be patient.

“Players that weren’t in the team at the start [of the season] because of the run of results have had an opportunity like Tom Elliott, Fred [Onyedinma] and Shane Ferguson.

“There are players who haven’t had as many games that have trained really well and are great lads. They’ve played in Under-23 games to keep their fitness up.

“You’re talking about Mahlon Romeo who was an outstanding League One defender last year and had some great form towards the end of the season.

“I went with Conor at the start of this season for a little bit of experience and he’s kept the shirt. So someone like Mahlon, someone like Ben, when their chances come, they have to grab them.”

Summer signings Ryan Tunnicliffe and Tom Elliott had to bide their time before being given an opportunity to impress.

Tunnicliffe replaced Shaun Williams, who suffered a serious knee injury in September, while Elliott has been rotated with fellow strikers Steve Morison and Lee Gregory.

Harris added: “Ryan Tunnicliffe has certainly done that [taken his chance] since he’s come into the team.

“So once they get in, they’ve got to try to stay in.

“But they only stay in and gain the opportunity through one person’s misfortune or by them continuously improving every day.”