Former Burton Albion midfielder Calum Butcher believes Millwall can follow the example of the Brewers as they return to the Championship.

The Lions are back in the second tier of English football for the first time in three seasons this term, having been promoted through the League One play-offs in 2016/17.

Butcher - who earned promotion with Albion back in 2016 - made 40 appearances in all competitions for Milwall as they secured that promotion, and he will be part of a side this season who are among the early bookmakers' favourites for relegation, alongside Burton.

Calum Butcher in FA Cup action for Millwall

But the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man knows all too well that a lack of resources compared to a team's rivals is not the be and end all.

Having experienced Albion's team-driven performances in League One, and seeing how they thrived in the second tier last season, he says his current club have the same qualities to adapt to the rigours of the Championship.

And the 26-year-old is also full of praise for what Nigel Clough's side achieved last term.

"Burton did fantastically last season to stay up with their budget and the players they brought in," Butcher - who left the Brewers to join Millwall on a two-year deal last August - told News at Den.

Calum Butcher on the day Burton Albion secured promotion to the Championship at Doncaster

"That says a lot about the mentality of the boys and the togetherness, which I think we've got here in abundance.

"We like coming into training, everyone wants to work hard and do well, and that's what Burton had last year.

"It's massive - the stadiums and the atmospheres there are going to be this season, there are some massive clubs.

"We've just got to take our opportunities when they come and put in the performances to cement ourselves in the Championship."