PAUL Sturrock insists entering the Lions Den will not be as terrifying as it once was as he looks for his Town side to build on Saturday's second-half destruction of Bournemouth.

League One Millwall have long held a reputation of having one of the most intimidating sets of fans in the country but, since moving to their modern stadium, boss Sturrock believes it has become a less hostile place to go.

Despite a dire start to the campaign that has seen Millwall pick up just one win, Sturrock has warned his side not to take them for granted, insisting there is enough quality to cause a real threat.

Sturrock has also again backed goalkeeper Phil Smith, with reserve Peter Brezovan returning from a trial at Everton, and has called upon his attackers to kick on from last week's 4-1 win.

He said: "They are very dangerous and have quality in the side. With players like Ben May, Gary Alexander, Will Hoskins and Paul Shaw, they have more than enough to worry us.

"I don't think Millwall is as terrifying as it used to be. I think they have mellowed.

"The old Den was a scary place to go but I don't think the New Den is anywhere near as hostile as it was."

Most of the talk this week has been Brezovan's stint at Everton but as far as Sturrock is concerned, it is just business as usual.

He said: "He has had two days of work, we have had a small chat but it was very much the experience will be a big benefit for him. The ball is very much in their court.

"Everton liked what they saw but we have had just one conversation about it. I think we will have to wait and see how the land lies.

"I think sometimes we are very harsh on Phil Smith. That sometimes happens when a keeper is breathing down his neck who had a very successful start to last season before injury.

"I don't think he did too much wrong on Saturday. Maybe a couple of crosses he could have come for and maybe kicking was disappointing, but that is usually a strong point of his.

"I think we should be less picky on his performances because confidence is a big thing for a goalkeeper. An ideal world for the club is if Smith plays the whole season but I am appreciative to understand injury could come upon him, lack of form all sorts of things. So it is nice to know Brez is there. When he gets his chance he will take it."

While Sturrock was not over the moon with his side's display in Saturday's 4-1 win over Bournemouth, he admits the firepower at his disposal is now a huge boost.

Billy Paynter and Simon Cox have been brought in, as competition to the likes of Blair Sturrock, Kaid Mohamed, and Ibon Arrieta, and Sturrock has urged them to keep up the pace.

He said: "The good thing is three new boys have scored six goals since coming in. That is very pleasing and shows offensively we have got it right.

"Now they have to kick on. They can't sit on their laurels and enjoy the accolades. Barry Corr is now getting grumpy which shows he is getting close to be ready.

"The disappointing thing for me is injury to Aljofree and Ady Williams and Andy Nicholas, the experienced players.

"We did think our back was one of our easy positions to cover but when you lose three like that it makes it very difficult but I am very hopeful we can come up with the right formula defensively."