The Valley pitch – as expected – passed its Friday afternoon inspection. The greater danger was always going to be if the rain that is forecast for Saturday afternoon arrives. If it does, and if it is heavy, there could still be problems.

Hopefully, all will be well and the game with Birmingham goes ahead and gives the Valley faithful a chance to see the club’s recent acquisitions in action.

There is another important game scheduled for The Valley on Tuesday when Charlton Under-18s face Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Arsenal are possibly not quite as formidable as they once were at this level and the Addicks will fancy their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

If they do, they will face either Sheffield United or Everton at The Valley. The winner of that game will then face one of Newcastle, Derby, Chelsea or Cardiff in a two-legged semi-final.

Three of the brightest stars of the Under-18 side, Karlan Ahearne-Grant, Archie Edwards and Joe Gomez have received call ups to the England Under-17 squad.

The postponed Bournemouth game will now be played at The Valley on Tuesday 18 March with a 7.45pm kick-off.

The ’emergency’ loan window is now open and the Addicks are expected to move swiftly to bring in a player or two, with young Liverpool winger, Jordan Ibe a possible arrival in the next few days.

Ibe was released from the Charlton academy set up at a young age and flourished at Wycombe, where he made his league debut as a 15-year-old. His skill and pace would give the Addicks good options from wide areas.

It was disturbing to hear that Ben Alnwick has been signed off on medical grounds and will be unable to train or play for Leyton Orient for a while. No details were given but hopefully the former Addicks keeper will be able to return to action soon. Everyone connected with Charlton will wish him well.