Loan watch special - Ryan's flying!

Ryan Fredericks admitted he “couldn’t have asked for a better start” to life on loan at Millwall – and has targeted using his experience of playing the Spurs way to help his new side climb up the Championship table.

Our 21-year-old full-back – who has been in and around our first team squad in recent weeks as well has being an integral part of our Under-21s side – joined the Lions on loan last Friday.

And no sooner had he embarked on his three-month stint at the Den, he made himself an instant hit with the Millwall faithful by scoring the winning goal in Saturday’s victory against Ipswich Town.

“I’ve obviously got off to a good start,” beamed Ryan, whose lofted ball in from the right wing flew into the top corner towards the end of the first half.

It proved to be the only goal of the game – giving Ian Holloway his first win as Millwall boss – but it was Holloway’s approach which left Ryan all smiles after the game.

“I enjoyed myself (on Saturday) and we’re playing in a good way at the moment,” he said. “It was sort of like being at Spurs with the way we played, with the full backs getting high up the pitch. I enjoyed it.

“Ian Holloway is a really good guy and a good motivator. He got the lads up a lot before the game.

“I didn’t know any of the players directly before I came here, but a few of the boys know some of my mutual friends. All the lads are good anyway. They’ve warmed to me quickly and taken me in, so it feels like being at home really.”

Ryan’s spectacular debut strike left some wondering if he meant to find the top corner when he floated the ball in. So what did the man himself make of it?

“I hit it and it felt like it was going over the bar, but then when it got closer and closer to the goal I thought ‘that might dip in, you know?’

“And then it dipped in and I was buzzing! I couldn’t ask for a better start.”

 

The Lions are back in Championship action next Tuesday at home to a Sheffield Wednesday side that’s currently in 19th spot, one point and one place above Millwall.

And what does Ryan expect from the game?

“Three points. They’re around us in the table, a point in front of us, but it’s at home so we’ll be looking for the three points,” he continued.

“I wanted to come here and play football week in, week out. There’s 20 games left until the end of the season so it’s a good amount of opportunities to get some games under my belt.”