Jimmy Abdou honoured by Millwall captaincy for Preston win

By Tom Moore Monday, January 7, 2013
6:55 AM

Millwall midfielder Jimmy Abdou was honoured to be given the captain’s armband for the first time for the Lions’ 1-0 win over Preston, as Paul Robinson, Danny Shittu and Liam Trotter were all absent through injury.

Liam Feeney’s goal was enough to separate the two sides to give the stand-in skipper a win in his first game.

“It was the first time ever at Millwall,” he said. “It was a great honour for me.

“I have been captain with the Comoros. I take that seriously and I was happy to get the win.

“It’s the same routine. You have to do the job.

“I just kept it simple in the huddle.”

The Lions had to fight for the victory and were forced to hang on in the closing stages as the Lilywhites fought tooth and nail to grab an equaliser.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” Abdou added. “We had a win which is the main thing.

“We went for a win. We scored early. We tried to keep going. We kept a clean sheet and we won the game.

“The fans play a big part in our game. In a game like that we have to do well. Even if there are 5,000 or 10,000 you have to play well.”

Abdou is going through personal difficulty as his three-year-old son, Ilyas, is battling leukaemia.

The midfielder has been allowed compassionate leave to be at his son’s side and the 28-year-old is grateful for the club’s support.

“We keep going,” he said. “He’s at home with his mum and family. He’s stable.

“It’s hard but you have to accept it. Hopefully he will come through and everyone will be happy.

“Everyone is behind him and we have to stay strong. The gaffer gave me the chance to go back.

“I don’t want to disturb the squad too much.

“The manager and the club are fantastic with me and I’m grateful for that.”