Team Lineups

‘I expect to see a reaction against Millwall’

Garry Monk is looking for an instant reaction from his players at home to Millwall tomorrow after his verbal attack on some of the squad following the miserable midweek display at Wigan.

He said some players should no longer be at the club after the dismal showing and, as he prepared for the visit of the Lions, Monk added: “I expect to see a response and a reaction against Millwall. I have had words, I have said words and I have said the truth. Now they know what the truth is.

“I expect the team to understand what is needed and what is expected and to deliver on the pitch with all our backing, my backing and the fans’ backing, for sure.”

Monk continued: “I’m still annoyed now but what’s just as important as reflecting is what is coming ahead.

“Football always gives you the opportunity to respond and that’s what we are looking for tomorrow. We have had training the last two days and selected a team that I feel can go out and put that fight on the pitch and that’s what I expect to see.

“It’s been a very frustrating month, in the league especially, but we have the opportunity to put it right. That is the beauty of football.

“Those comments were the truth. I’ve always been honest and open and spoken the truth and what I said after the Wigan game is what I meant. I have had discussions individually with players, I haven’t been through it with all of them yet but that will happen in the next few days.

“There’s a game to focus on and get on with and give ourselves the best opportunity to win that match. That’s the most important part and the rest will follow and fall into place after that.”

New loan signing Alessio Da Cruz is expected to be in the squad but Monk has indicated he won’t be ready to be in the starting line-up as he acclimatises to life in England and the Championship.

The Owls boss said of the 23-year-old attacker: “He’s a player I know well through contacts. He fits the profile we need, he’s young, he’s athletic, he’s quick and we don’t have that option in the squad.

“He comes with a hunger and a desire and this is the type of player if you are recruiting that you especially need.”

Morgan Fox is a doubt for the Millwall game after injuring an ankle at Wigan, Monk saying: “He is still sore but is a warrior and we’ll give him every chance. He’s not 100 per cent but the only way he won’t be on the pitch is if he is properly injured.”

Monk also said that the club is expecting to agree a new contract with Fox in the coming days.

Liam Palmer and Fernando Forestieri are both back in contention to face Millwall after lengthy injury lay-offs while Sam Hutchinson (knee) and Kieran Lee (shoulder) are also available for selection again. Massimo Luongo is still ruled out with his groin problem.

 

 

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