Millwall forward Mason Bennett has revealed that he has been surprised by the quality of the squad at The Den since signing in January.

The 23-year-old joined on loan from Derby County last month and is looking to find a space in the Lions matchday squad.

The forward has made just nine appearances and failed to find the net this campaign as his season has been disrupted by an ankle injury picked up before Christmas.

Speaking to News At Den, Bennett said: "We have to aim for the play-offs, there’s still a chance for us to get in there.

"I’m looking at the squad and even in the first day at training I was somewhat surprised – Derby have obviously got well-known talent and players who have done it in their careers – but I’ve come here and there’s not much difference.

"I’m getting to know the lads personally and football-wise. [Pearce] was a great lad. He wasn’t the captain there but he really looked after the young lads.

"I’ve come here and seen a different side to him. Hats off to him because it looks like he’s doing a great job with the lads. They buzz off him and he’s a great captain who was a big part of me coming here.

"We spoke before coming here, he was asking me how I was with my injury. That shows he was keen for me to come here."

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Competition for places in attack will be fierce at The Den with the likes of Jed Wallace, Tom Bradshaw, Matt Smith, Shane Ferguson, Aiden O'Brien and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson all capable of filling the spots.

Bennett currently holds a space in the Derby record books as he became the youngest player to make a competitive first-team appearance for his boyhood club when coming on as a substitute against Middlesbrough in October 2011 at the age of 15 years and 99 days.

The Lions are pushing for a place in the play-offs as they sit tenth and are four points off of sixth-placed Preston North End.

The Verdict

Millwall may not have the best squad on paper compared to their rivals but they are a team that has a strong camaraderie in the dressing room and will always fight for eachother.

Bennett will be vying for a spot in the Millwall side to try and boost their push for a spot in the top six but he knows how difficult it could be to get into a side that is performing to the best of their abilities.