Tom Rubashow reports
Karl Robinson has said his team need to “embrace the challenge” if they are to secure a crucial three points against promotion chasers Scunthorpe United at The Valley.
Scunthorpe currently sit third in the table, just three points behind second placed Fleetwood Town and speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game Robinson praised Scunthorpe Manager Graham Alexander.
Robinson said: “Graham has done a magnificent job building a team at Scunthorpe and that’s showing on the pitch this season. They load the midfield area, they are very offensive and they have a very solid back four. It’s a tough time of year and they are fighting to get over that line.
“We accept the challenge and have to embrace the challenge. The whole idea is getting the right culture into the building. Having so many injuries on a consistent basis it’s almost impossible for to get a consistent side. I don’t think we’ve been able to pick a consistent back five for two consecutive games, which is the foundation. Trying to find the right blend of midfield has been hard all year. The strikers have been finding it hard at the moment but I have massive belief in them. I believe in Josh Magennis. I believe in Tony Watt. I believe in Lee Novak. I believe in the young players and I believe in the direction this club should be going.
“I also believe in the fans support and that was shown immensely in the turnout on Saturday at Northampton. The fans have been brilliant at The Valley and we need them big time tomorrow night. Hopefully the players can do you proud.”
While Charlton have struggled for form in recent weeks, Scunthorpe’s results haven’t been much better. They come into the game having taken three points from their last seven games and Robinson expects his players to be mentally ready for tomorrow’s game.
He said: “We’ve had two grass sessions today and we’ve had three meetings and we’ll work on set pieces tomorrow. The players have to be mentally ready. A lot of sporting success is based on the application that you put in, not so much the talent, as we saw at the weekend in the boxing. The players have to believe in themselves and each other.”
Meanwhile, Charlton's women’s team beat Blackburn 4-3 after extra time on Sunday to secure their spot in the League Cup final on May 7 and Robinson is hoping the first team can emulate their success.
He said: “I’m made up for all of them and we wish them luck in the final, hopefully we can emulate their success. I saw the girls on Thursday, I saw them training and in the gym and they talked about it being a difficult game against Blackburn but spoke about the belief they had going into the game which is massive in any walk of life.”