Crocombe 'always believes' he will play at Millwall

Four seasons ago, Max Crocombe was facing the likes of King's Lynn Town, Weymouth and Dover Athletic in the fifth tier of English football.

But since moving to Millwall in the summer, the New Zealand international goalkeeper has established himself as Alex Neil's firm number one between the sticks.

The 32-year-old is likely to make his 13th Championship appearance of the season against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, and his 16th in all competitions since moving to The Den from Burton Albion.

It has been a quick climb through the leagues for Crocombe, who won promotion via the National League play-offs with Grimsby Town in 2021-22 before moving to the Pirelli Stadium the following year.

He made 86 appearances in League One before his move to London came around this year.

And despite seeing Steven Benda arrive on loan from Fulham during the same transfer window, Crocombe was confident he would be able to play his way into the team.

"To step up the levels one by one and then get the opportunity in the Championship was a dream come true," he told BBC Radio London.

Crocombe had to bide his time when first arriving at The Den as Benda took on the role as number one and his first three appearances came in the Carabao Cup.

But when Benda got injured in September he stepped up and took his chance as the Lions won three Championship games in a row, conceding just one goal.

"Obviously you want to play every game, that's disappointing at the start," added Crocombe.

"I'm not really one to sulk about it, it was unbelievable just to be part of it and the set-up.

"I kind of always believe I will play. Even when I'm on the bench, I kind of believe I'll come on at some point, I'll need to come on, I'll need to be ready."

Millwall's four-match unbeaten spell came to an end against Hull City last weekend, as they dropped down to fourth in the table.

The Lions can return to third this weekend if they win at Blackburn and other results go their way.