Former Middlesbrough favourite in 'the form of his career' for Championship rivals
Former Middlesbrough star Duncan Watmore is in the form of his career for Championship rivals Millwall, according to his manager.
Neil Harris has lavished praise on the forward after a fantastic start to the new season which sees him currently sitting second in the Championship goalscoring charts. He has five goals from his opening six games.
That already sees him over halfway to equalling his professional career best, achieved in his first season at Boro when he top-scored for Neil Warnock's side with nine goals. It followed a free transfer after his release from Sunderland, with his arrival on Teesside not coming until November, after a month-long trial period.
READ MORE: Michael Carrick was sad to see Duncan Watmore leave Middlesbrough but it suited all parties
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Praising his current form, which comes as Millwall are short of attacking options after Josh Coburn's injury, Harris told South London Press: “His numbers are there – his goals and assists are there. His contribution with minutes on the pitch is there. He will be the first to admit he is in the form of his career.
“I’m just giving him a platform to play to his strengths. To enable him to be the best player he can. Him and Romain (Esse) are looking a real threat in terms of the way they play the game and the freedom they are allowed to roam. It is getting the best out of both players.
“Duncan has backed it up with goal contributions – as good as anyone in the league. We want to keep him in that good space and keep that confidence. I’ve really enjoyed working with him – he is so popular with the lads and such a good, humble human being. He is a brilliant professional who just loves playing and scoring.
“I just want to keep encouraging him to do it. The three players that are behind our number nine at the moment are in unbelievably good form."
Watmore joined Millwall from Boro in January 2023 as he entered the final six months of his Boro career. With the forward offered the long-term security by the Lions, he opted to pursue the move, with Boro unable to guarantee him game-time or a similar length contract at the time of the move.