Millwall boss Neil Harris believes Duncan Watmore has gone under the radar for a season at the Den after his double strike in the weekend’s fixture.
Harris’s side lost 3-2 against Watford, but former Sunderland man Watmore was at the double to ensure the score had a respectable edge. The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, but his manager believes he is an ‘exceptional’ talent who many did not spot last season.
“Duncan has been exceptional in pre-season,” Harris told the South London Press. “I thought he really went under the radar last season, during me time, in his ability to give us something different – to give us that spark.
“He gave us a bit of class, a bit of composure and quality in the final third. He has got a goalscoring moment in him.”
The winger, capped 13 times at England Under 21 level, scored four times in the Championship last season, and grabbing an assist.
His career has been blighted by injury, with an ACL injury shattering his chances of a full international call up in 2017. The challenge now is for Harris to keep Watmore fit, as he feels if that is achievable, then he’ll be an asset for the Lions.
“Me and Duncan have spoken a lot over the summer about individual targets for him, trying to set targets to complete a certain amount of games, sub appearances and goals. That is just something between me and Dunc to try and plan for the season.
“He’s going to be an important player for us but also really respectful to trying to keep him fit and managing to get the best out of him for as long as we can this season.”
Watmore’s brace gave the Lions hope of salvaging a point from their opening fixture – they were 2-0 down against Watford with 16 minutes to go, but Watmore bagged twice, the final goal with just two minutes to go. Heartbreakingly, Mileta Rajovic grabbed a last-gasp winner for the Hornets in an engrossing encounter.
The 30-year-old looked set for a glittering career after moving to Sunderland from Altrincham in 2013. He was named in the Premier League Under 21 Team of the Season in 2015, but those injuries decimated his seven years with the Black Cats.
He’s since appeared for Middlesbrough, scoring 21 goals in 92 Championship outings, before his move to South London. In his two full seasons at the Den, he appeared 50 times in the second tier, scoring six goals.
Writer’s View
Duncan Watmore’s tale could be one of woe, two serious injuries derailing a promising career just as he threatened to take off. Those injuries robbed England of a real talent and impacted Sunderland.
However, he has turned the story into one of resilience, battling against adversity and proving a point to himself and the football world. He was a decent player for Boro, and could well catch fire for Millwall under the right circumstances.
It’s delightful to see him emerging as a key player for the Lions in the latter stages of his career, and hopefully, he can stay fit and keep impressing.
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