Alex Pearce was singled out by Neil Harris after his commanding display in Millwall’s FA Cup fifth round win over Wimbledon on Saturday.

Pearce, on loan from Derby County until the end of the season, was a late addition to the starting line-up after captain Shaun Hutchinson was left out to recover from a neck injury.

Millwall manager Harris, felt his selection was justified and heaped plaudits on the centre-back after the Lions went into the hat for the quarter-finals after Murray Wallace’s early goal settle the tie.

“Pearcy is a class pro, class fella,” said the Millwall boss.

“I could have gone with Hutch [Shaun Hutchinson], but he’s been struggling with an injury for a couple of weeks now.

“He wanted to play, but I just thought with the mentality needed the first contacts, with the leadership qualities we needed today, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for Pearcy.”

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Loving Den Life

Pearce himself was quick to deflect the attention claiming the side as a whole deserved recognition for their performance at Kingsmeadow.

“We’ve got a great reward from working really hard,” said the 30-year-old.

“The win is the main thing, then after that the clean sheet is important.

“For me as a defender you want to keep a clean sheet.”

Pearce is yet to make his debut in the league for Millwall but has featured in every one of their FA Cup ties and says making the move to The Den has been a great decision.

“I’ve loved every minute of it.

“It’s a great club, with a great feel to it, as soon as you walk in you can feel it.

“Great lads, close knit. I’ve played a few times for the under 23s which has been a positive experience. If I can pass that on in any way I can, that’s what I’ll do.

“But if I’m called upon then I’m more than happy to come in and show what I can do.”

As for who the defender would like to face in the quarter-final Pearce said:

“Anyone but Manchester City.”

Millwall are back in league action next as they travel to Derby on Wednesday hoping to climb their way away from the relegation places.

READ: Player ratings from Millwall's FA Cup fifth round win at Wimbledon