Sid Nelson is backing Neil Harris to become Millwall’s next permanent manager.

The 19-year-old defender knows more than most about Harris’ coaching abilities having played regularly for him in the U21s.

Harris was handed temporary control of the Lions until the end of the season following the dismissal of Ian Holloway and Nelson wants his long-term mentor to land the role full-time.

“For me personally he has just brought back the old Millwall values and style of play,” the youngster told News Shopper.

“I think it suits the boys. We all respect him for who he is and also as a manager.

“I’ve worked under Chopper for two years now so he knows me and I know him, but the main thing is he picks the team to get the job done.

“That is really important, especially at this stage of the season.

“Personally of course I’d like to see Neil get the job full-time.

“But whoever it is I will treat the same way because they are your manager and you work for them.”

Harris has drawn his past two games but will feel he should have bagged a first win after the Lions blew a 2-0 lead at Brentford before the international break.

But he has the chance to make amends this Friday when neighbours Charlton make the short trip to The Den for what promises to be a feisty derby encounter.

As a local Nelson is fully aware of the significance of the game and is urging his fellow Lions fans to get behind their team from the first whistle in what is a must-win game for the home team.

He said: “I was brought up in Lewisham so I know quite a lot of Charlton fans.

“I haven’t heard anything from them yet about the game but I’m sure I will the closer it gets.

“I’m a Millwall fan and have been here since the age of eight so there is no question where my loyalties lie.

“It is a south London derby so it is going to be a tough game.

“Charlton are obviously going to be up for it, but personally from our point of view I think we’ve got more on it because we need the points more than they do.

“The fans are definitely going to expect a performance against Charlton because it is a derby game but we’ve got to try our hardest to get a win because of where we are in the table.”

Nelson added: “Being at home is definitely a big advantage.

“Having the fans behind us, especially when it is a really big game, makes a difference.

“More fans turn up for games like this one which means it is a better atmosphere and that helps us.

“As long as we can give the fans what they want they will be right behind us.

“The good thing is with the international break we’ve had an extra week to work on things on the training pitch, work on our strengths and weaknesses and then put that into practice against Charlton.”

Follow @NewsShopperSprt for live updates from Millwall v Charlton