Millwall v Ipswich: Former Millwall boss Mick McCarthy isn’t expecting a warm welcome when he returns to The Den with Ipswich Town, in the Championship, on Saturday.

The Lions offered McCarthy his first chance in management – the Republic of Ireland international initially combining the role with his duties as a player.

He stayed in south London for four years, prior to be named coach of his country in 1996, leading Ireland to second round of the World Cup in 2002.

McCarthy, who has also managed Sunderland and Wolves during a 23-year managerial career, said: “I get a great reception when I go back and I’m not involved in game,” said McCarthy.

“I get a pretty poor one if my team is playing, I don’t particularly expect to be welcomed with open arms.

“Last season when I went back I got my usual dose of friendly banter and then when I went back three days later to watch a game against Blackburn, it was ‘Hello Micky boy, you’re a legend’.”