Ben Thompson is determined to make the most of his big opportunity after breaking into Millwall’s first team sooner than even he expected.
The 19-year-old midfielder has worked his way up from the bench to book a place in the Lions starting XI for the last three games.
And the former Wilmington Grammar School pupil is revelling in the experience, even if results have not gone quite according to plan so far.
Thompson told News Shopper: “It has been great .
“Last season I was in and around the squad. I wasn’t really involved too much but this season I have really kicked on and it is just great to be out there playing.
“I didn’t really expect to be involved straight away at the start, I was thinking maybe I would be involved a little bit more towards the end of the season.
“It has happened quite quickly but I feel ready and raring to go.”
He added: “I’d say my own targets have changed now.
“At the start of the season I was probably looking at playing ten games and being happy with that.
“Now I’d say I would like to play maybe 15-20 games this season, if not more.
“I would love us go up, either through the play-offs or automatic promotion. That would be great.”
Thompson is one of a number of home grown academy graduates handed a first team chance at The Den by their old U21 boss Neil Harris.
But the Hextable teenager points out it isn’t quite the same Harris he is used to dealing with.
“He is slightly different because he has to be more bold in front of the senior players and stuff like that,” explained Thompson.
“It is a big job to take on and I think he is handling it well.
“The youngsters are coming through and there are a lot of us playing.
“He has still got decisions to make and it is down to us as players to earn a place in the team.
“League One football is physical, you’ve got to be strong on the pitch.
“There is a lot more emphasis on winning those second balls and getting in and around players quicker, so it is a good test.”
Shaun Williams’ injury time header gave Millwall a first Den victory of the season last Tuesday as they overcame Peterborough 1-0 in the JP Trophy.
It might not have been the most important game on the football calendar, but Thompson acknowledged its huge significance to the Lions.
“We haven’t won at home in the league yet but it was great to get a win against Peterborough,” he said.
“With that confidence boost we can really kick on from there.
“We’ve got two away games coming up now at Crewe and Port Vale.
“It is important we go there with the right mindset, do a job and get a win.
“We’ve just got to look to win every game.”
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