Wilder confident Cobblers can provide happier Millwall memories

But he is adamant his Town team are capable of beating the Sky Bet League One side at The Den tonight (Tuesday).

Cobblers have already disposed of two sides from a league higher this season, beating Blackpool 3-0 in the Capital One Cup and Colchester United 3-2 in the JPT.

And though Wilder knows Millwall will provide a stern test for his men, he is in confident mood.

“We know we’re going to go there and they’ve got some good players,” said the manager, whose side are currently on a five-match unbeaten run.

“They’re going to have to play first-team players because of the competition rules and it’s a great opportunity for the top league one clubs to get to Wembley.

“I’ve been to the majority of the JPT finals and it’s a great occasion.

“They’ll be one of the favourites to win the competition and it’s a tough tie for us but hopefully we can raise our game and be competitive.

“We’ve had great results and we feel both of the games, against Blackpool and Colchester, we were deserved winners and we will have to play well again on Tuesday.

“It’s a great opportunity to play against an excellent club.”

Wilder doesn’t have any memories of facing Millwall at The Den as a manager, but he can recall a few tasty encounters as a player.

He said: “I’m glad they moved to that new ground because I got sent off at the old one when I was 18.

“It was pretty intimidating to walk the length of the pitch and that’s something that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

“They’re passionate supporters so they want their team to win, and the game’s played on the pitch, players have to be mentally strong to go away to different environments and produce performances.

“We’ve got enough experience in our team, we’re going to a great stadium and we’re not expecting there to be 15,000 there, but it’s a game we want to win and we can do if we’re right and we play well.”

And he added: “I’ve not taken a team at The Den, they’ve been in the Championship and I’ve not managed at that level, but I’ve been there a couple of times.

“We’re all looking forward to it.

“I’ll try not to get sent off again.

“I had that once last year (in the game at Cheltenham Town) and it’s not a good experience.

“I don’t think (goalkeeping coach) Carl Muggleton enjoyed me being on the phone to him when we played Wimbledon at home and I was stuck in the stand.

“I like being on the touchline and being involved so that’s something that hopefully won’t happen again.”