Five Things Learned from Millwall's 2-0 defeat by Blackburn Rovers.

Losing Tom Elliot Is a Huge Blow

In his second season for the Lions, the ex-AFC Wimbledon striker has been involved more often than his first, having started six consecutive games prior to the match against Blackburn.

Harris mentioned post-match that he may not be the most beautiful football player, but he is instrumental to Millwall’s style of play. Elliot has scored three times this season, but according to Harris we should not access him on goals scored, as his stature and retention of the ball means Millwall are able to carry out their direct style of play.

The striker wins the majority of his aerial duels and holds up the ball well. His performance against Ipswich was the pinnacle of his significance to the side, scoring one and assisting another.

That is why the shoulder dislocation which is sustained in the opening 30-seconds on Saturday is a huge blow for the Lions. With him now joining other strikers Tom Bradshaw and Lee Gregory on the injury table it means Millwall will be wanting to get in another striker through the door as soon as they can.

Steve Morison Is Not What He Used To Be

Millwall’s need for more attacking options was also highlighted by Tom Elliot’s replacement, Steve Morison.

Nearly 36, the veteran striker is not what he used to be. He has lost a yard, or four in pace and is naturally not as physical as he used to be. Albeit, he is able to put in a shift for the Lions and with over 200 appearances for the club he has bags of experience.

No doubt, the striker will be offered most likely his last annual contract by the Lions in the summer because he is a club legend and his experience will be welcomed in and around the dressing room.

However, Millwall desperately need some firepower in attack and Morison just cannot provide that anymore.

READ: Millwall punished for 'switching off' says Harris

Millwall need to stop playing hopeful football

The game was no means a great advert for the Championship as the quality of football was something you would expect from non-league sides. Both sides seemed to be better without the ball that they were with it.

It is no coincidence that when Millwall are not granted many set pieces, their chances seem to dry up. Having only two corners in the game and a handful of deep freekicks, the Lions looked clueless in front of goal.

Millwall need to stop playing the cross and hope style of football, because teams like Blackburn can match their physicality and shut them out of the game. In the Championship you need to be patient in the final third, build up your play and score goals from open play if you want to climb up the table and Millwall need to learn how to do that fast if they are going to be safe this season.

Ryan Tunniclife Can Shut Big Players Out

The midfielder is finally finding his stride in a Millwall shirt after shining since Shaun Williams injury in December. The overhead kick against Forrest will no doubt go down as Millwall’s goal of the season but against Blackburn he showed that he has more attributes in his locker.

It was clear at in the opening minutes what his job was. To man mark Blackburn’s star man, Bradley Dack out of the game. He smothered him all night, up in his face every time he got the ball and nibbles away at him until he grew frustrated. It was a testament to how well he played when Dack was substituted early in the second half.

Williams may be back to full fitness, but Tunnicliffe deserves to be in the starting XI and with every passing game he is showing Harris why.

READ: Player ratings from Millwall's Blackburn defeat

The fans want Ben Thompson to play

The academy graduate is now 23 and has always been a hit with the fans, being a Millwall fan himself. Many were happy to see him go on loan to Portsmouth in the summer, as his chances were limited in Millwall’s first year back in the Championship.

He flourished at Fratton Park, as his heart on the sleeve style made him an instant fan favorite. As a result, his loan at the league one table toppers was cut short and he was brought back into the squad for the game against Blackburn.

Twice the central midfielder came out to warm up on the touch line and twice he received a great reception by the home fans. Chants of ‘he is one of our own’ rang out during the first half and it was the highlight of what was a torrid first 45 minutes.

However, now Thompson has had a taste of consistent football at Portsmouth he probably will not settle for being back on the bench for the Lions. The fans obviously want him to play, but the question has to be asked does his success in league one make him ahead of the likes of Williams, Tunnicliffe and Leonard in the pecking order?