'It’s not what football's all about': Why Neil Warnock believes Middlesbrough's trip to Millwall will be a 'weird' and 'strange' experience

Boro will face the Lions at 3pm on Wednesday after the start time was brought forward for logistical reasons.

Warnock is well aware just how hostile The Den can be with fans inside the stadium and says this week’s encounter will be a strange scenario.

When asked what it will be like playing at 3pm on a Wednesday, Warnock said: “Weird, it’s really strange. I can’t explain it really, I know everyone is having these sorts of kick-offs but it’s almost like they just want to get rid of the game.

“It’s not what football is all about but we’re in that situation and we have to deal with it, like I say it’s the same for both teams.

“We’ve probably done a bit more travelling than others in the last couple of weeks, having less time to recover but we just try and get on with it.

“Obviously we are playing Saturday again so an evening kick-off would be ridiculous really so it does help in that respect.”

Despite receiving his fair share of stick at Millwall over the years, Warnock says he has enjoyed his previous meetings with the Lions.

Wednesday’s fixture won’t be easy for Boro, though, especially as Gary Rowett’s side still have an outside chance of making the play-offs.

“I’ve always enjoyed going to Millwall because it’s a hostile environment and they get behind the team. Gary has done ever so well there

“It will be strange but we have to make our own atmosphere and try to stand up and be counted because if you're not it’s a place where you go and get steamrolled.

Boro dropped into the Championship’s bottom three over the weekend following Sunday’s defeat by QPR, and Warnock believes the relegation battle will go down to the wire.

“It does look like it will go right down to the wire,” added the Boro boss. “Mainly because we don’t score enough goals. You’re just fighting for a club like this not to get relegated.”