Millwall boss Neil Harris feels Rovers have taken ‘a step backwards to go forward’ after relegation to League One.

Harris feels Rovers have enjoyed a ‘really good campaign’ on their return to the Championship and have benefited from their momentum following promotion.

It is something the Lions enjoyed last season, finishing just outside the play-offs, but this term has been more of a struggle.

However, they welcome Rovers to the New Den on the back of a four-game winning run which has moved them within six points of Tony Mowbray’s side.

Referencing the signing of Ben Brereton, Harris said: “I think it’ll be a fast and furious game, a great one for the fans to see, and a good one for the Sky cameras.

“Blackburn were terrific in League One last year, and they’ve come into the Championship and done really well. The money they’ve spent has shown where they want to be as a club, and shows that they’ve had to take a step backwards to go forward.

“Blackburn aren’t a million miles in front of us, and they’ve had a really good campaign so far in my opinion. I really enjoy the way they play. They’re direct, but they have some really good footballers as well, and they mix it very well.”

On his side’s recent form, Harris told his club’s website: “The players have been outstanding in training and there’s a real buzz around the place. We had some important games over the Christmas period – Reading was massive, as we hadn’t won for a period. Forest is always a good occasion because we have a good rivalry against them. Then we went to Ipswich and we came away with the three points.

“Hull (in the FA Cup) was important to carry on momentum. Now we find ourselves against Blackburn on the back of four straight wins, three in the league.”