Kenny Jackett has admitted on-loan striker James Henry faces play-off final heartbreak, even if Millwall beat Leads to reach the Wembley showpiece.

The Reading winger's three-month spell with the Lions ends after tomorrow's semi-final, second leg against Leeds at Elland Road, meaning he will miss a potential final date against MK Dons or Scunthorpe.

Henry has been a big hit at The Den since arriving in February, making 16 appearances and scoring three goals, including a wonder strike on his home debut against Swindon.

Jackett chose not to send Henry back to the Madejski Stadium for nine days at the end of his first month, even though it would have ensured his availability for the final. Instead, the Millwall boss will have to cope without the 19-year-old at Wembley if his team successfully protect the one-goal lead established by Neil Harris in last weekend's semi-final first leg.

Jackett said: "There is regret about James's situation. We looked at it along the way and there was a point after his first month when he could have gone back to Reading.

"But we had three games in those nine days so we decided to carry on, knowing how it would turn out at the end.  

"You can be too clever in this game and look too far ahead. We might have suffered in those three games had he not played so we decided to keep him to chase automatic promotion.

"There were other factors, too. Reading have had a 24-hour recall clause in the deal and their guys have told me they have come close to using it at several points.

"Also, because he has done well for us, another team might have come in for him had he gone back and we'd have lost him for good.

"It's a real pity that James won't be able to play at Wembley but I'm sure we would involve him on some level if we get through."  

Meanwhile, Jackett has concerns on the availability of striker Gary Alexander, after he missed training yesterday through illness.

The Lions are already missing Jason Price, who pulled a hamstring in Saturday's win over Leeds, so Lewis Grabban is likely to be drafted into the starting line-up if Alexander fails to recover.