CAPTAIN Paul Robinson is urging The Den crowd to cheer Millwall on to victory over the festive period.

The Lions host Portsmouth on Boxing Day before signing off 2011 with a derby date with bitter rivals Crystal Palace on New Year’s Eve.

But with Millwall going into Christmas just two points above the dreaded drop zone, Robinson wants supporters to raise the roof in the next two crucial games and inspire Kenny Jackett’s side up the table.

He said: “Pompey will be a good game.

“It’s nice to be at home on Boxing Day as that hasn't happened in a while, so I am looking forward to that.

“I enjoy the Christmas games and the festive time of year.

“It’s an important game and one we are looking to win.”

Despite having to train on Christmas Day, Robinson doesn’t mind the disruption which he accepts is part and parcel of life as a professional footballer.

He revealed: “After doing it for so many years I'm used to it. “At the start it’s hard and difficult to get used to. I have two young children who are up early, so we open presents.

“I go off to training, get back for lunch and it works into the schedule.

“It’s not too bad and it’s one of those things you have to deal with as a footballer.”

Robinson was involved in the controversial penalty award against Crystal Palace last month when he was adjudged to have fouled Paddy McCarthy in the area.

But despite his sense of injustice at the decision on the day, Robinson insists it is all water under the bridge.

He added: “It’s one of those things and it's gone now. “We shook hands at the end of the game and that’s the end of it.

“The Millwall fans will be hoping we finish the year as we started it with a win against Palace.”

Despite being at the wrong end of the league, Jackett has at least been boosted ahead of the game by some big names returning from injury.

However, he admitted there is a big difference in individual’s confidence levels within the squad going into the two festive games.

Jackett said: “We are looking to have a few people back from injury such as Liam Trotter and Jimmy Abdou, who should be fit.

“Jay Simpson will also be eligible after not being available last week for the game against his parent club Hull City.

“Generally the Boxing Day crowd is a good one.

“Our players’ performance has to be good and lively so we can bring our home crowd into play, which is a big thing.

“It would be very important to win both matches as confidence is varied within the squad.

“Some players are very confident while others are coming back from injury and getting to grips with a very good division.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt