Neil Harris wants Millwall to emerge stronger from their make-or-break play-off clash with Leeds whatever the result.

The striker ensured his side will take a 1-0 advantage to Elland Road for Thursday's semi-final after notching the winner in the first leg.

Harris, 31, is a play-off veteran, although none of his memories are particularly fond. He was knocked out at the semi-final stage in 2000 by Wigan and suffered more heartbreak in 2002, when Birmingham's last‑gasp winner at The Den took them to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Although the stakes are high, Harris has urged his team-mates to retain some perspective, regardless of the outcome.

“How you react to these games depends on the player, but I used it to make me stronger and want success more,” Harris said.

“When we lost to Wigan, we were in a similar position to the one we're in now. We were in a rebuilding process and lost to the better team over two legs and they went on to be promoted. That was our learning curve and gave us hunger to want promotion the year after and we won the title that season.

“The Birmingham game was extremely tough as we were one game away from the Premier League. That was probably tougher to take but, even then, within a few days I decided it had gone.”

Harris has also backed Millwall's youngsters not to wilt in the pressure-cooker atmosphere which is sure to greet them in west Yorkshire.

Leeds are expecting a capacity 37,000 crowd although there will only be 1,000 Millwall fans after restrictions were enforced by the local police.

“These games are fantastic experiences,” Harris added. “Sometimes young players surprise you and they don't feel nerves.

“What we have got at Millwall is a togetherness as a team.

“We stick together and talk a lot and there's a great dressing room spirit — one I haven't seen here for a long while.”

Despite focusing on the play-offs, Millwall are already planning for next season with manager Kenny Jackett aiming to bid £80,000 for Stevenage Borough striker Steve Morison.

The 25-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Charlton, signed off with the non-League side in dream fashion last Saturday, scoring at Wembley in the 2-0 FA Trophy Final victory over York.