Millwall Reeling After Chris Smalling Snub

League One outfit Millwall must be rueing the day they allowed Chris Smalling to slip through their grasp.

The 20-year-old Fulham centre-back has this week signed a deal with Manchester United, which could be worth as much as £12 million, and Millwall must be kicking themselves.

Smalling started his career at The New Den, but he was released by the Lions and forced into non-league football with his local side Maidstone United.

The England Under-21 star quickly began impressing scouts at Maidstone and went for trials with Middlesbrough and Charlton - two more clubs who failed to see the youngster's potential.

Fulham eventually snapped up the quick defender in June 2008 and he went on to make his first start for the Cottagers this season in the Europa League against CSKA Moscow.

His potential was quickly recognised by the Premier League big guns and both Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford were keen to acquire his services.

United won the race for his signature and Smalling was at Old Trafford on Wednesday to have a medical and watch the team he will join at the start of next season reach the Carling Cup final with a 3-1 win over Manchester City.

The Greenwich-born star has certainly come a long way since he was rejected by Millwall, but if he can continue his steep learning curve then Fabio Capello's senior England squad must surely be within his sights.

Last month Smalling said: "It may be disheartening at the start when you find yourself in the non-League but, if you keep your performance levels up and get to grips with the job in front of you, then you adapt pretty quickly.

"I thought I would get my chance eventually. I didn't give up. I'd like to set an example if there are people out there who have to drop down to non-League.

"There's always another level to kick on to and you never know what clubs are watching you. You just need to keep up your performance level."

One bright spot for the Lions is the fact that Millwall's League One odds suggest they should be in the promotion mix come the end of the season.

Meanwhile, some exciting trial races for the Cheltenham Festival are set to take place this weekend and the results could have a significant impact on the betting markets.