BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent gem Rob Harvey is making a big impression at Championship side Millwall.

The highly-rated midfielder is halfway through a three-week trial and could feature in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Dartford.

He is training with the Lions' first team under the watchful eye of manager Neil Harris and hopes are high that he could be offered a professional deal at The Den.

Harvey had a trial at Ipswich Town last season before spending time with West Ham in October.

Millwall have been tracking his progress since September - scouts were at R's games last season - and he previously trained with their under-23s.

"It's a case of so far, so good for Rob," said Brightlingsea manager Tom Rothery, who has been in contact with Millwall’s head of recruitment, Alex Aldridge, since October.

"He's into his second week, training with the first team and being coached by Neil Harris.

"I'd assume that's a very good sign.

"I don't want to jinx things or raise hopes but it sounds massively positive.

"Whatever happens, it's great experience for him and hopefully he'll be in the squad for Millwall's friendly at Dartford on Saturday.

"Rob's such a good lad.

"His family are great too and while it would be a blow to lose him here, I'm not even thinking along those lines.

"I just hope he gets a deal and that it works out for him, because he deserves it.

"As a club, we're excited he's been offered this opportunity and wish him the best of luck."

West Bergholt-based Harvey is a former student at Colchester’s Philip Morant School and College and graduated through the Colne Football Academy, in Brightlingsea.

Meanwhile, Rothery has been encouraged by his club's first few training sessions.

The Bostik League premier division club - who could announce two new signings next week, including the return of a familiar face - kicked-off with a double session on Saturday.

"It's going very well," said the R's boss, whose side play their first friendly against an Ipswich Town XI on July 14.

"So far it's been brilliant and massively positive.

"The new signings appear to have settled well and while time will tell, the squad undoubtedly looks stronger.

"The new boys have brought extra quality, experience and pedigree and those that were here last year will have learned so much.

"Everything about the club is positive at the moment, especially when you factor in our reserves moving up to step six football and our new ladies' team.

"Everyone's happy and there's a real buzz around the place."

Brightlingsea's fixtures for next season are expected to be released next Friday (July 13).