Millwall handed fitness boost as pundit issues 'elite' verdict on Leeds United pair

Another big weekend of action approaches for the Championship clubs, and QPR will already be looking forward to returning to action after a much-needed away win over Cardiff City on Wednesday night. On the same evening, Millwall saw their clash with strugglers Portsmouth postponed.

The Hoops face Watford on Saturday, while Millwall take on Oxford United looking to keep their playoff bid on track. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Championship clubs.

Millwall boost

Millwall star Billy Mitchell could be in with a chance of returning this weekend, with Neil Harris confirming to the South London Press: “Billy was going to play today the under-21s today, but that was called off this morning because of a waterlogged pitch, so we escalated Billy into the squad tonight,” Harris said.

“Physically Billy is not ready to start a game for the first team, but the opportunity to involve someone of Billy’s quality and calibre and personality was too good of an opportunity for me to turn down. We thought an impact off the bench if need be could be key tonight. Billy still needs to tick more boxes before being considered fully ready for the first team again. We’ll just have to see where that leaves him for the weekend.”

Riza on QPR

Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says QPR put their ‘bodies on the line’ in South Wales on Wednesday night. “QPR put their bodies on the line, and they blocked and cleared,” said the Cardiff interim boss. “Were our balls decisive enough? Did we put balls into areas where we can make it harder for them? The second half we did a little bit more, but I can’t put my finger on it other than the fact that we’ve come off a little bit of our quality in possession.

"The boys who have the ability to make a real difference have been lacking a bit in those areas; final pass being nicked, final touch, whether to turn or drive at somebody. They are things that we can take back to the training ground and work on, but the players have got to step up in respect of focus and delivery of what they need to do.”

Redfearn praise

Neil Redfearn has issued praise for Leeds United midfield duo Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell. He told BBC Radio Leeds: “Before that it was a little bit hit and miss, whoever took the corners or set-plays. But I think what you’ve got there is a midfield player that’s a good technician. He’s a beautiful striker of the ball, whether that’s spraying passes or putting set plays in.

“He’s got range to what he does, has great feel for the ball and then you can get players in front of goal and in good areas to go and attack it. There’s been a couple of set plays that should have been goals realistically when the ball’s got whipped in. I think he’s really excelling and is a good foil for Tanaka, and Tanaka is a good foil for Rothwell. I think their understanding of the game, how to build from the back and through midfield is top draw, it’s elite level, elite level midfield play. I think Daniel realises this.”