‘His recovery is bang on schedule’ – Millwall boss assesses Zak Lovelace’s progress after under-21s appearance

‘His recovery is bang on schedule’ – Millwall boss assesses Zak Lovelace’s progress after under-21s appearance

ZAK Lovelace’s recovery is “bang on schedule”, Alex Neil said.

The nineteen-year-old forward rejoined Millwall in January after three years with Rangers, but underwent knee surgery shortly after he returned to club where he made his first-team debut aged fifteen.

Lovelace returned to training last month after rehabbing his knee over the summer, and featured for the under-21s on Tuesday in their 4-0 win over Colchester United.

Neil is pleased with Lovelace’s progress.

“His recovery is bang on schedule,” Neil said. “He’s been planned to play this game for a number of weeks now. He’s been training with the first team on a regular basis. He’s building up his load.

“We need to bear in mind with Zak, he’s very much like Aidomo [Emakhu] for me in the fact that that we need to keep him fit. This is the longest Aidomo has ever been fit since he’s been here in terms of consecutively, and now he’s starting to play games where he can play ninety minutes and he can last matches.

“We need to do a similar type process with Zak where we build him up and try and keep him fit and keep him available. He is right on schedule at the moment, so we’re pleased with where he is.”