STUART McCall today paid tribute to City's strength of character this season for the way they responded to the body blow of Phil Parkinson's unexpected exit.

The players have been given a couple of extra days off to recharge the batteries in readiness for their League One play-off final showdown with Millwall a week on Saturday.

As McCall prepares to plot a battle plan for the Wembley promotion decider, he saluted the toughness within the squad that has driven City to within one game of the Championship.

Just 11 months on from returning to the helm to succeed Parkinson, he praised the progress that has been made since all the upheaval of last summer.

"It was a real kick in the stomach for the players when Phil left because he was a top manager and very popular in the dressing room," said McCall.

"For us to come in and have to bring in a new staff and everything else was a big shock.

"But we sat down with the lads that were already here and said 'in life, it's about trying to improve on what you've done the year before'. They've done that and now they've got further than they did last season."

Millwall destroyed City's play-off dream 12 months ago to finish Parkinson's reign and now stand in the way of McCall's bid to take the club back to the second tier after a 13-year absence.

Ironically, it was at the Den where City played their last game at that level in 2004.

McCall knows how tough it will be against the Lions, who pulled off a 3-2 win at third-placed Scunthorpe on Sunday to make it back-to-back appearances in the League One final.

Attacking duo Steve Morison and Lee Gregory proved City's downfall last season and were again too much of a handful for the Iron defence.

McCall said: "You saw the other day Morison got two and Gregory one. They are a big threat. Millwall are a good side and it will be a tight game again. I wouldn't be surprised if there's only one goal in it.

"But we'll enjoy a couple of days off, be down at the fire memorial on Thursday and then plan for what is going to be a big occasion. I'm just so proud we've managed to get the supporters to Wembley."

City completely blunted Fleetwood's threat in their second leg and McCall has no doubts they are capable of handling the physical threat of Millwall. Both league encounters finished in 1-1 draws.

McCall said: "Over the last couple of days it has been nervy and edgy. But I told the lads before Sunday's game 'look round the dressing room and see who's next to you'. Do you want to be in the trenches with them – 100 per cent you do.

"We've got good quality and a desire. They've been a joy to work with all season. It's a squad game and those who haven't played have been just as important as the ones who have.

"If you only have 12 to 14 and the rest aren't doing it in training or pushing you, then you don't get the most out of them, but the attitude has been spot on.

"When Kenny (Black) and I walked into the club, I don't think there needed to be a great revolution – apart from bringing in players.

"The thing is to create an environment where players want to work, improve and succeed eventually. They've taken that on board and been top class. But we've got one more game."