Sadlier takes his cue from Claridge

Millwall boss Mark McGhee believes the arrival of veterans Steve Claridge and Tony Cottee at The Den has started paying dividends with his young strikeforce - and Richard Sadlier particularly - just in time to spark their championship charge.

The Ireland under-21 international was a constant menace against play-off contenders Stoke as Millwall returned to top spot.

He fired them into a sixth-minute lead thanks to debutant Claridge's industry, before Tim Cahill made sure of the win with a glanced header 12 minutes from time.

Cottee joined the fray as a replacement for Claridge in the last few minutes.

The manager was delighted with Sadlier's display. "I've not seen him as often as a lot of people here have, but I thought he came of age tonight," said McGhee. "It was a great team performance, but I thought Sadlier was magnificent."

McGhee believes the club's transfer-deadline signings are proving an education to the younger marksmen.

"Neil Harris has said to me already that he has picked up one or two things from Cottee and Claridge, and hopefully Sadlier will also learn from them," he said.

With 25-goal hitman Harris still suspended, Sadlier is almost certain to start again on Saturday when Rotherham visit The Den in a top-of-the-table clash that could go someway to deciding the destiny of the Division Two title.