Sid Nelson’s eye catching starting debut in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Stevenage has put another big question mark over the long-term Millwall futures of Paul Robinson and Danny Shittu.

The 18-year-old played the first 45 minutes on what was a sweltering afternoon at the Lamex Stadium, quickly endearing himself to the Lions faithful after a combative and consummate display.

Senior defenders Robinson and Shittu didn’t travel with the squad to Stevenage, instead both featuring for Millwall’s reserves in a 2-1 win at Bromley.

And with the manager impressed by what he saw from Nelson, further uncertainty surrounds Robbo and Shittu ahead of the new campaign.

Ian Holloway said: “I thought he was absolutely terrific. I’m formulating plans with him as we speak.

“When we have someone like that coming through I have to decide if he is close enough.

“That’s why he played today, that’s why Paul Robinson and Danny Shittu played at Bromley.

“They’re great professionals, but who is the future? 

“I have to be respectful to everybody.”

The manager added: “They’re both out of contract next summer and am I going to keep them or bring Sid through?

“I have to facilitate them to move on and do it in a way that’s totally respectful, as I respect what they’ve done for Millwall. 

“It’s always a balance of who is coming through and who moves out.”

As well as Nelson, fellow youngsters Josh Siafa, Fred Oneyadinma and John Marquis also featured in the Stevenage friendly and Holloway is planning on how to deal with their individual developments.

He explained: “What can I do for them - it’s all about their own personal development in my club.

“Some will be loaned out. I want to make them my commandos of the future and what I mean by that is I want to break them down and they do whatever I say - in a nice way.

“I want them strong enough and brave enough to play or us, I want them to have discipline and turn the other cheek.

“I don’t want retaliation and for them to just play.

“Some of the football second half was beautiful and I want us to be a formidable unit in the future.

“That’s what I’m trying to do.”

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