Scott Malone scored his first goal at The Den for nearly six-and-half years, which proved the catalyst for Millwall to go and thrash Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

The on-loan Derby County man has already showed his goalscoring prowess during second spell with the Lions, producing brilliant finishes against Crawley Town and Blackburn, plus the winner at Huddersfield Town last month.

However, Malone bagged possibly the best goal of his career against the Owls.

Having exchanged passes with Shaun Williams, he then audaciously flicked the ball over Callum Paterson before lashing past Kieren Westwood with his weaker right - in what can only be described as a watered-down version of Paul Gascogine's strike against Scotland at Euro 1996.

But whilst it was surprising seeing a left-back score a goal of that calibre, it wasn't a great to see the defender heavily involved going forward.

Since becoming the Lions' first-choice left-sided player with Murray Wallace currently out injured, Malone has been turning in some outstanding performances of late, and is quickly becoming one of Millwall's most productive attacking players - with his present left wing-back role suiting him down to the ground.

But what does the future hold for the on-loan Derby defender?

Having been restricted to just 14 appearances under Phillip Cocu, Malone has been given a lifeline by Gary Rowett, although the ex-Fulham man is out of contract at Pride Park in the summer.

With Wayne Rooney now in charge of the Rams, it's unclear whether Malone will be part of his plans or he'll be allowed to leave at the end of the season.

The pair played together following Rooney's arrival from the MLS in January, so a conversation will no doubt be required, but a Derby exit would appear the likeliest outcome.

Malone has already appeared 26 times this term, and playing under a manager that clearly trusts him surely opens the door for a permanent Millwall deal once his loan expires.