Sky Sports pundit Jamie O'Hara has issued a word of caution to Millwall amidst their impressive Championship form, suggesting the club has a history of faltering at crucial moments. His comments come as Queens Park Rangers received news of a first senior international call-up for young defender Tylon Smith.
O'Hara's Play-Off Warning for Flying Lions
Millwall are riding high in the second tier after a dramatic late victory over Southampton last weekend. A 97th-minute goal from defender Tristan Crama secured a 1-0 win, a result that leaves Alex Neil's side in third place after 18 fixtures. The Lions are now just two points off the automatic promotion spots, having narrowly missed the play-offs on the final day of last season.
However, former Tottenham and Wolves midfielder Jamie O'Hara, who had a loan spell at The Den in 2007, has urged caution. Speaking on Sky Sports, O'Hara expressed his desire to see Millwall succeed but highlighted a recurring issue.
"I'd love to see Millwall sneak in there," O'Hara said. "The problem with Millwall is, can they go and spend and bring in some quality players in January? They always seem to mess it up. A lot of my family are Millwall fans and they just mess it up towards the end of the season."
O'Hara tipped Coventry City for automatic promotion under Frank Lampard but suggested Millwall could contend for a play-off place, alongside clubs like Birmingham City and Ipswich Town. Millwall face a key test this weekend with an away trip to sixth-place Bristol City.
QPR Youngster Earns Maiden South Africa Call-Up
In other news, Queens Park Rangers' summer signing Tylon Smith has been handed a significant personal accolade. The 20-year-old defender has been named in South Africa's final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, marking his first senior international call-up.
Smith only joined QPR from Stellenbosch this summer and has made just one senior appearance for the club, playing the full 90 minutes in a Carabao Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle. His selection follows an outstanding year at youth level, where he was named Player of the Tournament as South Africa won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in May. He also featured in the U20 World Cup last 16 in October.
The Africa Cup of Nations tournament begins on Sunday, December 21. South Africa have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe.
Championship Promotion Race Remains Wide Open
The latest round of Championship action has further tightened the table, with only eight points separating third place from 17th. While Millwall are firmly in the promotion conversation, O'Hara's comments underscore the unpredictable and gruelling nature of the division. The January transfer window, which he referenced, will be a critical period for all clubs with Premier League ambitions.
For QPR, Smith's call-up is a positive development, highlighting the club's ability to attract promising young talent, even if his immediate departure for international duty will be a short-term loss to the squad.
