Millwall’s £3 million club-record signing, Mihailo Ivanovic, has taken a significant step towards securing a place in the starting lineup after netting his debut goal in English football.
The 19-year-old Serbian striker, signed from Vojvodina in the summer, scored the equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Derby County, a goal that may earn him a starting spot in Millwall’s upcoming fixture against Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday.
Ivanovic Aiming for Starting Role After Impressive Cameo
Despite a hefty price tag and high expectations, Ivanovic has had to be patient for opportunities at Millwall. Injuries to senior forwards Tom Bradshaw and Josh Coburn have forced manager Neil Harris to rely on Macaulay Langstaff in recent games, with Ivanovic limited to five substitute appearances since joining the club.
However, his goal against Derby, which came after taking the ball around the goalkeeper and slotting it into an empty net, has put the Serbian forward firmly in contention for more minutes. Speaking about the young striker’s progress, Harris acknowledged that while Ivanovic is still adapting, his performance is a welcome sign.
“We’re very limited in our options at the minute, especially at the top end of the pitch. Macaulay has done extremely well in recent games. Mika is 19, moved abroad, and hardly trained with us – we’ve had two international breaks and he was recovering from injury in between. But the goal will do him a world of good, and he certainly comes into the thinking for Wednesday night,” Harris said.
The Millwall boss further praised Ivanovic’s composure in front of goal and hinted at more opportunities for the young forward as the club continues to navigate a packed Championship schedule. “It’s a hefty price tag that follows him, but he’s a very young man. It’s lovely for all of us to see him out on the pitch,” Harris added.
Writer’s View
Ivanovic’s goal couldn’t have come at a better time for Millwall. With key injuries up front and the team in need of fresh attacking options, the young Serbian striker offers a new dynamic in the final third. If he can continue to build on his promising cameo appearances, he may well become a crucial figure in the Lions’ push for a top-half finish this season. The midweek clash against Plymouth could be the perfect stage for Ivanovic to show he’s ready for a starting role.
