By Stephen 18
December 3 2004

Millwall player boss Dennis Wise can continue playing after the end of the season, according to Scotland Under 21 international Peter Sweeney. "Fit as a butcher's dog" is a phrase regularly trotted out by assistant boss Ray Wilkins when referring to Wise, so Sweeney's not alone in this belief. Peter Sweeney believes Dennis Wise has the ability to make a U-turn and carry on playing after this season.

The Millwall player manager, who turns 38 in two weeks time, was badly missed in the defeat at Burnley, which he had to sit out due to the re-occurrence of a groin injury that affected him earlier this season.

And though Wise has already stated that he wants this campaign to be his last as a player, Sweeney would like to see his boss on the pitch further into the future.

He said: “I think he’s still got another season left in him. His passing and his work rate are excellent, and everything about him on the pitch is so intelligent.

“He’s still got a lot about him and I would love to see him carry on.”

Left winger Sweeney, who is now available for selection after twisting his ankle in the last 30 seconds of the UEFA Cup trip to Ferencvaros, also spoke of his injury nightmare.

He continued: “I damaged my ligaments as my body went one way, while my foot went the other. It was really painful and I knew instantly I’d done some real damage.

“It was my first ever serious injury, and I must admit I found it difficult being out of action. I felt I was just about beginning to recapture my form and a more permanent place in the side was within reach.

“Add to this my frustration at being inactive, and it was a hard five weeks all round.”