NEW Millwall signing Macaulay Langstaff said he is “fully confident” he can add goals to his game at Championship level despite a goalless start to the campaign.
The former Notts County man managed a remarkable 70 goals in 90 games during his two-season spell at the club, impressing in both the National League and League Two. However, Langstaff is yet to get off the mark in the Championship, a league that is undoubtedly a level above others he has previously starred in.
Although the new Lions player may not have been Harris’ first-choice striker coming into the season, an alarming pile-up of injuries means Langstaff is currently Milwall’s only available forward option. Tom Bradshaw suffered a long-term knee injury in his side’s defeat against Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup, while new loan signing Josh Coburn came off after 34 minutes against Luton — the young striker is expected to be out for at least six weeks with a calf issue. Record signing Mihailo Ivanovic has an outside chance of featuring against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, but for now Langstaff has an opportunity to cement his place in the starting lineup.
Speaking about his move from League Two to the Championship, Langstaff said: “It’s a big leap in terms of quality, but obviously I’m training every day with Championship players, so I’m adapting to the level in training every single day.
“There are some top, top players in League Two and it’s a great level, but I think athletically there’s a difference, as well as with the quality of certain players. I think sometimes in League Two you can get away with missing chances because you’re not getting punished. At Championship level you’ll get punished because players are much more ruthless. It feels like the opposition only need one or two chances and it’s in the back of your net. So yeah, there are a few differences, but I’m training with these players every single day so I’m getting used to it. It may take a little bit of time, and after the start of the season it may take a little more time, but I’m fully confident that I can adapt to this level and score goals.”
Manager Neil Harris was complimentary about Langstaff’s most recent performance against Luton, when he came on to replace the injured Coburn. “I thought his 55 minutes on Saturday was his best spell in a Millwall shirt,” Harris said. “He looked sharp, hungry and determined to prove a point that he wants to play. All that was missing was that killer moment in front of goal.”
“His desire is high and he wants to prove to people that he belongs at this level. I’ve really enjoyed working with him so far. He has got a lot to do to adapt and adjust his game but he’s a willing learner.”
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