Michael Bailey Millwall defender Scott Barron is not planning any old pals act on Saturday when league leaders Norwich City - and his old flat-mate Zak Whitbread - come to town.

Michael Bailey

Millwall defender Scott Barron is not planning any old pals act on Saturday when league leaders Norwich City - and his old flat-mate Zak Whitbread - come to town.

The 24-year-old former Ipswich left-back and his Millwall team-mates will be out to end the Canaries' 16-match unbeaten League One run at the New Den on Saturday.

But Barron admits he would not mind seeing Whitbread - who joined City from the Lions last month for an undisclosed fee - promoted with Norwich this season, as long as Millwall follow Norwich into the Championship.

“We used to share a flat together up until he left,” said Barron. “I do miss him a little bit to be honest. We got on well and I'm glad for him to get the move he wanted. But I won't miss his mess or the rubbish banter.

“I've replaced him anyway, so I don't want him thinking he's that sorely missed. It's the move he wanted. He had a couple of options but he chose the right one, for me, so I'm pleased for him. If Norwich get promoted I'd be really happy for him, as long as we follow them up.

“I think the play-offs are our aim unless Norwich and Leeds have a massive wobble, which I can't see happening. But we're confident and a positive result on Saturday will hopefully kick-start us again.”

Millwall are aiming to be the first side to take all three points off the Canaries since Leeds United managed an injury time win at Elland Road back in October.

“Without doubt they are one of the favourites to go up and they're the best team we've played against this season, in my opinion,” said Barron. “But we're at home, which should be an advantage, and not in bad form ourselves.

“We know it's not going to be easy and I hadn't realised they had won that many games on the spin, but I can't imagine them going the rest of the season unbeaten and hopefully it will be our day on Saturday. If they don't lose another game, then fair play to them.”

City's last trip to the New Den was in 2005 and ended in a 1-0 defeat.

This time round Norwich will be without leading scorer Grant Holt as he serves the last game of his three-match suspension for being sent off against Brentford less than a fortnight ago.

The New Den is one of League One's more intimidating places to visit and Barron believes, much like Carrow Road is to the Canaries, the atmosphere will either see City's players freeze or rise to the occasion.

Barron said: “I think some people relish it and some can let it get on top of them. The ground has got a reputation for being hostile and giving teams a hot reception, and to be honest it works in our favour when the fans get behind us.”

The game will have an extra edge for the Millwall defender, who worked his way through the ranks at City's fierce rivals, Ipswich, and helped Town to an East Anglian derby win at Carrow Road in 2006.

Barron said: “That was a great game to be involved in as an 18-year-old. It was probably one of the best games I've played in - much better than my last visit. It does add a little bit of spice to Saturday when you've grown up through the Ipswich ranks playing Norwich all the time. I've played so many games against them and usually enjoy them.

“I didn't originally support Ipswich when I first went down there but you take those things on when you're at the club and I've got a few friends who'll be keeping an eye out, I'm sure.”