Millwall's play-off ambitions are hanging by a thread, they're six points adrift of six placed Middlesbrough with nine games left to play and a far worse goal difference.

They're in great form though having lost just once in 14 games and come off the back of a rousing 1-0 win against fellow Londoners and promotion hopefuls Brentford.

It's a tough ask, but defender Shaun Hutchinson hasn't given up hope.

"You have to believe or else the rest of the games in the season are meaningless," Hutchinson told millwallfc.co.uk "We just have to keep doing what we're doing and give ourselves a chance. If we can do that then we have had a really good season."

It's Millwall's first season back in the Championship after a spell in League One and they've more than held their own.

Their next three games are against Barnsley, Ipswich and Nottingham Forest, all sides either fighting relegation or with little to play for.

"Away from home we have been brilliant recently and continuing that will be key. We are travelling to Barnsley on Saturday and are prepared a tough game. They proved they are a strong side when they came to The Den earlier in the season and took all three points."

Hutchinson made his name north of the border, making 149 appearances for Motherwell after joining them from school. He spent two seasons at Fulham before Millwall signed him after his Craven Cottage contract wasn't renewed. He's been ever-present for the Lions this season, making 37 league appearances as well as two in the FA Cup.

The Verdict

It might not be likely, but Millwall have hit form at just the right time. They've won five of the last six and end the season with matches against Villa, Fulham and Middlesbrough. If they did sneak in it would be a real football fairy tale, but failure to do so wouldn't be a disappointment. They've established themselves well in the Championship and Neil Harris will be delighted with how easy they've made the step up. The key for next season is building on that.