MILLWALL boss Neil Harris admits he was desperate to sign Josh Coburn on a permanent deal in the summer but says a loan move for the Middlesbrough striker "suited all parties in the short-term".

Coburn made a flying start to life with the Lions with a goal in the 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on his debut, just 24 hours after his season-long loan switch had been finalised.

Harris was delighted to land Coburn, who he identified as his top striker target in the summer, and says he's been closely watching the Boro man for a number of years.

And the Millwall boss is excited about what Coburn is capable of in the capital this season, though says he's keen to not put too much pressure on the 21-year-old.

“It’s an extremely important signing for us,” Harris told the South London Press.

“Even in the short term as a loan. I have to be very careful. Josh obviously had an excellent debut. It wasn’t just his performance and goal that stood out for everybody, I think 14,000 Millwall fans saw a player with real qualities.

“He played with his heart as well as his head and ability. I think everybody enjoyed watching him – me included.

“I have seen Josh play like that for the last four or five years as a young man coming through from youth football, to U21 football and senior football.

“I know his credentials. I’m looking forward to working with him and trying to help him develop his game.”

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Millwall and Boro spoke at length in the summer after Coburn emerged as a leading target for the Lions. Harris was keen on landing the striker on a permanent basis but says he "understands Boro's situation" after Millwall had to settle for a loan.

Coburn's contract at the Riverside isn't due to expire until 2027 so the Millwall loan gives Boro the chance to monitor the striker's first full season of regular football in the Championship and assess his situation again next summer.

Harris said: “I’m not going to put too much pressure on his shoulders at the moment and talk about what his next steps are away from us.

“We worked extremely hard over the summer with Boro to find the right agreement. It’s been well-publicised that we tried to sign Josh on a permanent deal.

“We worked extremely hard on that and Jimmy (Berylson, chairman) was extremely supportive on that. It didn’t materialise and we understand Boro’s situation with that.

“Josh has come here on loan – it was a situation that suited all parties in the short term.

“Within that, I look forward to working with Josh. My job is to make sure I look after my players. Josh is one of my players now and the priority for me is to make sure they develop as people and players.”