Gary: City return 'not meant to be'

MILLWALL striker Gary Alexander believes he is cursed after missing out on a chance to play against former club Exeter City at St James's Park tonight.

The 30-year-old has been left frustrated after being ruled out until after Christmas with an ankle injury.

Alexander has yet to play against City in a competitive match at St James's Park since he left in 1999.

But the London-born hitman has warned the Grecians to expect a Millwall backlash tonight after they suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat against Coca-Cola League One strugglers Wycombe on Saturday.

"This would have been the first time I would have played at St James's Park in a competitive match (since leaving)," he told Echo Sport.

"It is very frustrating because I wanted to play in this one. But I always seem to get injured or suspended when the Exeter game comes around.

"It is almost like it is not meant to be. But we have got them at home next year and hopefully I will play in that one.

"We just want to bounce back after Saturday's defeat. All the players are hurting and are like a wounded animal. The unbeaten home run has gone now and it is how we respond that is important. This is a good chance to put things right and get back on track immediately."

Alexander started his Football League career at St James's Park in 1999, playing 37 times during a season-long loan spell from parent club West Ham.

The then 20-year-old netted 16 goals during his time with the club, but City could not afford the £300,000 asking price and he ended up signing for Swindon.

After spells with Hull City and Leyton Orient, Alexander is now at Millwall and has his sights set on promotion.

"I loved it at Exeter — they gave me the chance to play first team football," he said.

"None of the players are still there now but I know Paul Jones from Leyton Orient and Richard Duffy as well.

"They play good football, have a good manager and hopefully they will do enough to stay up and cement their place in the league.

"Exeter got a good result on Saturday and they will be full of confidence, so we know it will be a tough game. This is a funny league — if you drop your game a little bit you get punished."