NEIL Harris has paid tribute to Paul Robinson ahead of the former Lions defender’s return to The Den on Tuesday night.
Robinson began his career with Millwall and made more than 350 appearances for the club after his debut in 2002 before leaving to join Portsmouth in January 2015.
The 34-year-old centre-back signed for AFC Wimbledon before the start of the 2015-16 season that culminated in a 2-0 League Two play-off final win over Plymouth as the club reached the third tier for the first time in its short history.
The Dons have exceeded expectations so far and Saturday’s 5-1 win over Bury moved them into the top six.
AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley took the opportunity to take Robinson off in the second half with that game already won and with Tuesday night’s fixture in mind, and Harris anticipates Lions fans will show their appreciation for Millwall’s 2010 League One play-off final match-winner.
Harris said: “First and foremost he’s a very, very good centre-half. He’s a great ventolin leader and a loyal person and without doubt the best professional I ever played with.
“He leaves no stone unturned in preparation before and recovery after games. He’s a warrior and a leader.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him, I hope he gets a great reception from our fans but I hope he has a tough night.”
Robinson may face a Millwall side without its first-choice strike force, with Lee Gregory a doubt after going off in the first half in the 2-0 defeat to Bolton at the weekend and Steve Morison already out.
“Lee got a back spasm and we’ll see if we can get him outside for anything today, even walking,” Harris said. “We’re in the lap of the gods whether it heals quickly or it doesn’t settle. That’ll be a decision that won’t be made until at the latest Tuesday morning.
“Shaun Hutchinson has still not trained, so the Wimbledon game might come a game too soon.”