It is thought Shaw may leave the Den in the summer after being unable to command a first team place, but Stevens insists he has not fallen out with the player.

He said: "We have heard this rumour and it is getting on my nerves, and his. There is no fall out between us. He is a great pro and yes, like every player, he would like to play first-team football but we cannot guarantee it.

"Paul's happy here and we are happy to have him here. He is putting pressure on Neil Harris, who is scoring the goals."

Stevens point was perfectly illustrated at Saturday's London derby when a Neil Harris hat-trick brought the Lions back from one-goal down to earn a crucial 3-1 win at Brentford.

Lorenzo Pinamonte put the Bees ahead in the fourth minute but just six minutes later Harris sweeped home a Paul Ifill cross.

The pair combined again from a corner to put the Lions 2-1 before half-time and, after 64 minutes, Harris completed his hat-trick, claiming his 22nd goal of the season and the match ball.

The result lifts Millwall above Bristol Rovers and level on points with second-placed Wigan, but with a inferior goal difference.

Millwall now face two crucial Easter fixtures. The first, on Saturday, is at Burnley ahead of Monday's match at the New Den against Gillingham.