Defensive fears

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett admits that his ongoing defensive woes are becoming 'a joke' - though fans are struggling to see the funny side just a week before the start of the league campaign without a recognised central defender.

Left backs Tony Craig and Andy Frampton - who have regularly covered the specialist role - are the latest entries to the treatment room and are set to miss the last pre-season friendly with Middlesbrough this Saturday.

Stand-in skipper Craig took a knock during training on Monday afternoon, while last season's player of the year Frampton rolled his ankle during the warm-up before Tuesday night's 4-1 victory at Dartford.
A frustrated Jackett told the 'News': "Frampton did his ankle in the warm-up today [Tuesday] and Tony Craig was injured in training on Monday.

"It's only knocks and small things here and there, but it's funny how it's all bits and pieces in that same position and nowhere else in the squad, where we have lots of players and cover."

The pair join skipper Paul Robinson - who has had a second operation on his broken toe - transfer-listed Zak Whitbread - who is suffering from an ongoing groin strain - and young Pat O'Connor, who has severe ligament damage.

A 'substantial bid' for Leyton Orient's Tamika Mkandawire was rejected by the east Londoners last week, as the Den boss keeps his other options close to his chest.

Jackett has used trialist Jack Smith across the back four throughout pre-season, but admits the former Swindon defender may not be the answer.

He said: "If we can get one or two bodies in that area on loan then we will. The pursuit has increased over the last week and we continue to look hard.

"Jack is an experienced player at our level and he has done well with us. He has played all across our back four in recent games and has shown some versatility.

"He is a full back. He is not a definite centre half, though he has played there for Swindon. I will wait and see on him, though we are still looking."

Robbo will definitely miss Richard Sadlier's benefit game and the last friendly before the campaign kicks off against Southampton in nine days. Want-away Whitbread is a major doubt for the trip to St Mary's, as he is yet to train with the first team squad, while Frampton and Craig could return in time.

Elsewhere, Jackett believes he is close to knowing his strongest side, as preparations for the assault on League One intensifies. "We are pretty close," he said. "It's the back four situation that worries me more than anything. If you put those four players back into the group we have, I think we will be in business.

"I know what I'm doing with regard to Southampton, but over the course of the season we will need the fresh legs that a good squad will bring and the players will need to be pushing for places.
"I expect Tony Craig and Frampton to overcome their knocks. Maybe not for Saturday, but certainly for the start of the season the following week."