Millwall are showing the Cup strain

Ray Wilkins today blamed Millwall's slump in form on the players being distracted by the FA Cup Final.

Following last night's 2-1 defeat to an impressive Watford, the Lions have now failed to win any of their five games since beating Sunderland in the semi-final.

Assistant manager Wilkins believes the players have one eye on ensuring they are fit for the Cardiff showpiece against Manchester United on 22 May.

"The guys are finding it difficult to come to terms with it," he admitted. "They don't want to pick up any wallops. I wouldn't say they are hiding but they are being careful. It was pretty disappointing the way they played in the second half. If they play in that manner then they won't pick up any knocks. We were given a bit of a pasting."

Tim Cahill was one of several Millwall players below par in last night's defeat, which all but guarantees First Division football for Watford next season but puts a further dent in seventh placed Millwall's play-off hopes.

The midfielder, who is already suspended from the Reading game on Saturday and next week's trip to Derby, will be banned for a further three games, including the cup final, if he adds to his 14 yellow cards this season.

Cahill has admitted that his precarious disciplinary position is "in the back of my mind" and it was evident that he was pulling out of tackles before being substituted in the 70th minute.