DANNY McNamara is thrilled at the prospect of reaching 100 Millwall appearances – and thinks there is still plenty to come in his career.
The 24-year-old, who emerged from the club’s youth ranks, will hit the milestone if he appears in today’s Championship clash against Middlesbrough.
McNamara has been long been manager Gary Rowett’s preferred choice on the right-hand side of defence and looks likely to start at the Riverside after overcoming a minor issue with his quad muscle during pre-season.
The full-back, who impressed on loan at Scottish side St Johnstone before making his Millwall debut, said he cannot wait for the chance to reach the century.
He told NewsAtDen: “If I get to make my 100th appearance on Saturday it would be a huge achievement for me. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of. I just can’t wait to get there and hopefully it will end on a positive and with a win.
“If you said to me when I first come back from my loan spell from St Johnstone that I would make 100 appearances for the club within two and half years I would have bit your hand off for it. It shows how far I’ve come. I’m buzzing to make my 100th appearance for the club, it’s going to be a true honour.”
It was only in January 2021 that McNamara first appeared for the senior side, starting an FA Cup tie against Boreham Wood that ended with a 2-0 win to the Lions.
He has gone from strength to strength since.
McNamara added: “I just remember the gaffer telling me I’m going to play in the FA Cup, that was my first game back [from loan]. And I just thought I’m going to give it my all, give the manager something to think about, show the fans what I’m about.
“I done really well, had a really good game and then on the Tuesday I got called in to play against Bournemouth, my first start in the Championship. That was a special moment and something I look back on and makes me really happy.
“All my loan spells went really well but my loan at St Johnstone changed my career massively. Being with [former St Johnstone boss] Callum Davidson who helped me out massively, playing the formation we play here. So a big shout out to Cal for bringing me in and trusting me to play every game and show what I’m about.”
McNamara, who became a father for the first time last week, still has big goals he wants to accomplish and has set his eyes on making his international debut with the Republic of Ireland.
He said: “To get into that Ireland team would be a massive achievement for me. I was with their training camp in the summer and that was a good test to go in there. Hopefully I can try and push my way into the team. I think this season is my season to try and get in there.”