Millwall v Ferencvaros The Den Kick-off: 7.45The reality of the Den staging European football will finally dawn on Theo Paphitis tonight when Millwall take on Ferencvaros, the Hungarian league and cup winners. The notion of Millwall playing in the UEFA Cup has been difficult for Paphitis to assimilate; not even the three UEFA flags flying on the main stand yesterday could prevent the Lions chairman from thinking he is living in a world of make believe.

"You don't start your season off expecting to play in the FA Cup final against Manchester United because if you do you're nuts," Paphitis said. "But we did play in the FA Cup final against Manchester United and we did qualify for Europe, and to see the UEFA flags over the Den is surreal."

If European football is an unreal experience for the chairman then it will be a unique one for many of the team, so the player-manager and former Chelsea captain Dennis Wise will carry an even heavier burden. "He will be vitally important to us," said Ray Wilkins, the assistant manager. "But the rest of the guys will be equally as important because it's (always) a game of patience against European opposition. They are technically gifted and they will retain the ball for long periods."

With Barry Hayles ruled out due to cracked ribs, Millwall are hoping that Danny Dichio shakes off a groin strain as the incentive could not be greater.