Hornets loanee Diego Fabbrini has broken the myth of what a Millwall player should be like, according to Lions boss Ian Holloway.

The Italian forward, who has been capped once by Italy, has played three games for Millwall since joining the club on a 93-day loan deal earlier this month.

He completed 90 minutes for the first time this season on Saturday as the Lions clinched their first victory in nine matches with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

And speaking after that game, Holloway told the club’s website: "If ever there was a myth about what a Millwall player should be like, I think Diego has broken it.

"He is as light as a feather but what unbelievable skill he has. He can beat people and is very clever on the ball.

"I'm pleased that he has come in and made a difference because he was so keen to come here and work hard for this club. He is a great kid to work with."

Fabbrini joined Watford in the summer of 2013 and has made 29 appearances for the Hornets.

However, he has failed to hold down a regular place in the Golden Boys side and prior to his loan move had played just four games this season, the last of which came in September. 

But he has quickly impressed the Millwall fans and players, with defender Alan Dunne praising Fabbrini’s down-to-earth character.

"I've never seen someone with his ability wearing plain black boots,” he told News at Den. “You'd think he'd have a green, pink or orange pair.

"He's got the same boots that me and Tony Craig used to wear in our youth team days – they're adidas World Cups and defenders usually wear them.

"That shows you the sort of person he is and he's slotted straight in with the lads. He's what we needed – someone who can carry the ball.

"It's easy to pass it and move but you need someone to carry the ball. The best teams have that quality and we've found someone like that.

"He's a hardworking lad and it looks like he could be a Millwall fans' favourite. They were singing his name.”