Nathan Jones says Charlton Athletic must embrace the challenge of facing Championship leaders Middlesbrough as the Addicks look to produce a positive response at the Riverside on Saturday.
The Addicks travel to Teesside seeking a repeat of last season's memorable 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough, a result that proved significant in the club's successful battle to retain its Championship status.
While acknowledging the scale of the task, Jones believes the fixture provides his side with an ideal opportunity to showcase its qualities.
"They're top of the league and they're playing with confidence and fluency, so of course it's going to be a very difficult game," said the Charlton manager.
"But it's a wonderful challenge and one that we'll be ready for."
Jones believes the Championship continues to become increasingly competitive year after year and expects another stern examination this weekend.
"Everything in the Championship moves forward," he explained. "It doesn't go backwards. People don't spend less money and people don't get coached any less.
"Right now it's the hardest game in the Championship because they're top of the league and they're playing very well."
The Addicks head into the fixture looking to end a difficult run of results and Jones feels a meeting with the division's pace-setters could help sharpen his players' focus.
"We'll see if it becomes a catalyst for us," he said. "Sometimes a game of this magnitude removes any doubt about how difficult the challenge is and provides all the motivation you need.
"All I can do is prepare our team to be the best version of ourselves and then the outcome will be the outcome."
Jones reiterated that his squad's focus this week has been on returning to the foundations that have underpinned many of the club's strongest performances under his leadership.
"This group has never lacked character," he said. "It's about a little bit of know-how, a little bit of control and game management at key moments.
"When you're going through a tougher spell, you have to reset and make sure you're doing the basics properly. That's been the message this week."
The Charlton boss also provided a positive update on the fitness of Nathaniel Chalobah and Matty Godden, with both players continuing to be assessed ahead of a busy three-game week before the international break.
"If they're ready, they'll be involved," he said. "We're assessing them day by day."
Jones added that preparations have been positive throughout the week as the Addicks seek to produce a performance worthy of the occasion.
"We've had a really positive week," he said. "Now it's about making sure we're ready for what will be a very tough test."
With memories still fresh of last season's success at the Riverside, Charlton will travel north aiming to upset the league leaders once again and head into the international break with renewed momentum.
Charlton host Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, November 3rd (KO 7.45pm GMT) at The Valley with adult tickets starting from £20. Click here to get yours now!
