Charlton will play on Tuesday for the fourth consecutive week when they travel to Burton.
Lee Bowyer will welcome Lyle Taylor back, after his star striker missed the game with Bristol Rovers through suspension.
The Pirates made it difficult for the Addicks who missed Taylor’s physical presence. Regular strike partner, Karlan Grant, continued his good form in front of goal, netting his ninth goal of the campaign with the last kick of the match.
Bowyer was asked about his strikers after the game:
”Yeah we missed Lyle, I think that was noticeable, his physical presence, his cleverness around the box but it’s a squad game. It probably did Lyle a bit of a favour missing this and having a rest.
“He’s been away on international duty a couple of times when the other lads have had a little break, so he’ll be ready for Tuesday and raring to go I’m sure.
”Karlan worked hard. It was tough for him and Nicky (Ajose) today against three big physical lads at the back for Bristol.
“He got his goal and that puts him on nine now, one short of double figures already and we’re not even half way through the season already.”
Charlton started brightly, and took the lead after ten minutes. Jed Steer collected the ball from a Rovers free-kick, and quickly released Jamie Ward with a pinpoint pass.
Steer’s distribution is one of his assets, as Bowyer pointed out:
”Obviously we work on that when he (Steer) comes and collects things, his distribution is unbelievable. At times it is like having an outfield player in the goal.
“It was a great touch from Ward. He broke from the edge of the box, so to run all that distance and then a great touch lifting over the keeper. I thought Wardy did well today. I thought he looked a bit sharper today.”
It was arguably Ward’s best game for the club, but he may not start at Burton. He struggles with the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday schedule, and needs longer to recover these days.
Bowyer may be tempted to start him at the Pirelli Stadium though, and rest him from the FA Cup game on Saturday.
The win put the Addicks back in the top six, and Bowyer will now be looking for his team to consolidate their position.