Neil Harris Signs On Loan

Harris On Loan
By Chris O'Brien
December 4 2004

As the battle against relegation rumbles on, Cardiff City have signed out-of-favour Millwall forward Neil Harris on a one-month loan deal. The 27-year-old Londoner caught the eye of Lennie Lawrence during the 2-2 draw between the Lions and the Bluebirds at the Den earlier in the season.

Cardiff City have signed Millwall's Neil Harris on loan for a month, and the forward will go straight onto the bench for the relegation '6 pointer' at home to fellow strugglers Gillingham on Saturday.

Harris is out of first-team contention at the Den, so has moved to Ninian Park to earn some much needed match practice and help the Bluebirds as they struggle with attacking options. Alan Lee is currently undergoing hernia surgery, whilst Peter Thorne has only just returned from a frustrating injury which has kept him sidelined for sometime. Lawrence will not want to rely heavily on teenager Cameron Jerome, whilst Andy Campbell has been appalling all season. 

"He wants to be out there trying to make things happen from the start, rather than from the bench." said Lions' assistant manager Ray Wilkins.

"That is not something we can promise him at the moment. We have to applaud his attitude."

The 27-year-old has started only eight games for Millwall this season, and is believed to be frustrated at a lack of senior XI opportunities. Ironically, his only Football League goal of the season came against the Bluebirds, where introduced as a substitute Harris scored one and assisted another as the Lions came twice from behind to clinch a point against Lennie Lawrence's side.

"Neil is an all-rounder. He can score goals, he can create goals and he can link up with other players," said the City manager.

"He's a good player to bring to the club. As far as I'm concerned, it's a steady punt."

Londoner Harris has been a fan favourite with Millwall supporters since his £30,000 move from Cambridge United six years ago. He beat testicular cancer to go on and equal the Lions' highest goalscorer record and played for the club in last season's F.A Cup final - a 3-0 defeat at the hands of giants Manchester United. Lawrence has made no secret that he would be interested in bringing Harris to Ninian Park full-time, and judging by the circumstances it could be time for the Orsett-born striker to move on.

"Neil is available in the summer on a free transfer, so we've done this with a view to perhaps making it a permanent signing." added Lawrence.

Welcome to Ninian Park, Neil Harris.