Neil Harris has heaped praise on a “rejuvenated” Steve Morison after the striker played a vital role in Millwall’s win against Birmingham.

Morison’s run and pass resulted in Blues defender Maxime Colin’s 47th-minute own goal, which put the Lions on their way to a first win in three games.

The 34-year-old was left out of the squad at Brentford due to a stomach tear last weekend. Up until then, he had started every league game for Millwall this season.

And Harris says Morison’s three-week break paid dividends.

He said: “He trained all week. We've really played the injury down - he was carrying it for a few weeks.

“I asked him to play and play, and I shouldn't have played him really, but he would never say no.

“We shouldn’t have played him in the Barnsley game and the period off [international break] did him the world of good.

“He's been rejuvenated today. If you've trained all week you'll be involved on a matchday. I needed some leadership and senior players on the pitch and Steve brings that.”

Millwall dominated a lacklustre Birmingham side in front of the Sky cameras.

Lee Gregory, Aiden O’Brien and Morison had chances to score while the Blues only created one significant opening, which Isaac Vassell wasted.

And Harris was pleased with his team’s display at the Den. The Lions are now six points clear of the relegation zone.

Harris added: “We knew it was going to be a scrap and a battle. There was a lot of direct play from both teams.

“It was an outstanding Millwall performance. Before the game, I said to the players ‘it’s going to be a fight and a battle’.

“I always knew there would be moments of quality in the game. Steve Morison had a couple of outstanding moments - and we had the key moments.”