Alex Pearce set for Millwall debut in FA Cup

Millwall have announced the signing of Derby County defender Alex Pearce on loan until the end of the season.

Pearce is Millwall’s first move of the January transfer window and the nine times capped Ireland international spoke of his delight at the move.

"As soon as I heard about the interest from Millwall, I was excited about coming here and hopefully I can help the team climb up the League,” said Pearce.

The 30-year-old explained how manager Neil Harris was key in him making the decision to move to Millwall.

"The manager's enthusiasm was key. I met with him, we had a good chat, and we spent a good amount of time together.

"He was really positive - he told me about how he likes his teams to play, and I was really enthused by it all. Everything went really positively,” Pearce said.

Pearce could make his debut for Millwall on Sunday in the FA Cup at home to Hull, subject to FA clearance.

"I'm hoping to be involved on Sunday, of course. 

"It's a good game to come into, a tough one against a good Hull side, but hopefully one in which we can progress to the next round."

Millwall manager Harris believes Pearce will add a presence at the back, and leadership qualities that have been missing from his side.



"Pearcey brings a wealth of experience," Harris told the club’s official website. 

"We've lacked a little bit of leadership at times in games where we've let late goals in or conceded too many goals, and we've needed that presence in there at the back.

"We had it in the second half of last season with Jason Shackell, and we've had it in the past with Tony Craig as well. 

"I just feel that Pearcey brings us a voice and leadership in training, and that's not forgetting what a good career he's had so far at this level," Harris said.

Prior to his move to Derby in 2015, where he made 48 Championship appearances, Pearce spent nine seasons at Reading, making over 200 appearances for The Royals.