Millwall hit the jackpot with low-key Newcastle United deal | OneFootball

Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson first joined the Lions for 93 days on loan

When Newcastle United allowed Shane Ferguson to depart St James' Park on a 93-day loan deal in August 2015, few could have predicted the impact the versatile left-sided player would have at Millwall.

The Northern Ireland international had struggled to establish himself in the Magpies' first team, making just 32 appearances before three loan spells followed - two with Birmingham City and one north of the border at Rangers.

His departure to League One Millwall seemed like another temporary move for a player who had failed to live up to his early promise on Tyneside. But then-manager Neil Harris saw something different in Ferguson.

Neil Harris was "delighted" to sign Shane Ferguson at Millwall and quickly extended the deal

Speaking at the time of Ferguson's arrival, Harris praised his versatility and natural ability to the club’s official website. "We're delighted to have Shane on board, he has natural left-footed ability," he said.

"He can provide terrific deliveries into the box and is equally comfortable playing at left-back as he is on the left-wing, that kind of versatility will be very important to us," Harris added.

The initial loan deal was quickly extended that coming September, until January 2016. Yes, Ferguson's performances during the first half of that season had been limited due to a hamstring injury, but they still convinced Harris that the 24-year-old was worth keeping for longer.

Maybe it was the faith shown in him by the manager, but the subsequent permanent move after his loan extension ended proved to be one of the shrewdest pieces of business in recent memory for the East London club.

Shane Ferguson's efforts during Millwall's promotion campaign shouldn't be forgotten

The 16/17 season saw Ferguson establish himself as a key player in Harris' promotion-winning squad, and he featured 43 times in the league whilst contributing two goals and three assists.

Although he didn't start in the playoff final against Bradford City, which the club obviously won 1-0, his versatility proved invaluable throughout the campaign as he was able to provide both defensive solidity and attacking threat from the left-hand side.

This was proven in the side's earlier FA Cup run that saw them knock out three Premier League teams en route to the quarter-finals - with Ferguson himself sealing a 3-0 win over Bournemouth in the third round.

Upon beating the Cherries, the Lions were unbeaten in five games, despite facing the possibility of being forced to leave The Den. This was due to Lewisham Council's plans to purchase and sell surrounding areas around the ground in south-east London.

You could perhaps argue that given Ferguson had already represented his country at Euro 2016, he had the big-game experience that many of his third-tier teammates lacked at the time.

This definitely would've helped keep the spirits in the dressing room up during a time of obvious uncertainty, as Northern Ireland hadn't featured in a major tournament for three decades.

Millwall received the Shane Ferguson longevity Newcastle United would've originally hoped for

Signing as a 15-year-old schoolboy for the Magpies, Newcastle later handed Ferguson his debut in 2010 but never saw a great deal of return - and it's fair to say he's probably forgotten by many Geordies now.

While the exact fee paid to the North East club remains undisclosed, Ferguson's longevity at Millwall meant they definitely got their money's worth.

By making 217 appearances across six seasons, he provided much-needed reliability during a period of growth for the club.

His 12 goals might not seem spectacular, but many came at crucial moments like the aforementioned Bournemouth game.

Ferguson did express his love with life at Millwall, saying upon signing his 2019 extension, "I've been here four years now, and the fans have welcomed me in – it's great to be playing here at The Den, and now I'm just really excited to continue playing here in the future."