Ben Thompson admitted it was ‘surreal’ playing for his boyhood club after penning a long-term deal with Millwall.

The 23-year-old who shone for the Neil Harris’s side in the second half of last season has signed a new deal which will extend his seven-year stay at The Den.

After impressing on-loan at Portsmouth in the first half of last season, the midfielder returned to command a starting berth in Harris’s side last season.

A firm fans favourite for his passionate and commandeering displays the academy product admitted it was a ‘dream’ to be playing for the club he supports.

"I'm delighted," he told Millwallfc.co.uk.

"To play with the players I play with, and to play under the manager is all a bit surreal, but I've been here a while and I've got used to it.

"Obviously, it's a dream to play for the club and to do well for them, but it's all come around quite fast. However, I've enjoyed every minute and long may it continue. I just feel that playing for this club means something to me and my family, and [to sign a new contract] is a brilliant achievement on my behalf.”

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'Gold-dust'

His contribution of four goals in 13 appearances to Millwall survival in Championship hadn’t gone unnoticed by his manager who was equally as thrilled to tie down a key player in a transfer window he admitted will be ‘difficult.’

“Having Ben long-term is good business for us, possibly the most important business of the transfer window for us.

“So I’m delighted for Ben and us.

“Sometimes when you haven’t got a player you realise how important they are.

“Not when they’re just away, not just on the pitch, but off it.

“In the changing room, he’s such a big personality at a young age.

“On it, he’s got the ability to break in the box, those players are gold dust.

“His progression has been remarkable, his adaptability, understanding of the roles, he’s lifted the crowd, the changing room, and galvanised us.

“He’s become really important for us.”

The managers words were echoed by the Lions and Portsmouth faithful who wished Thompson well:

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