Johnnie Jackson insists that the Addicks will give Gateshead the full respect they deserve when they come head-to-head in the Emirates FA Cup on Friday evening and will be fielding a strong side in a bid to ensure a place in the third round.
Charlton make the long trip to Gateshead International Stadium as they go up against the National League North side and the caretaker boss won’t be taking any chances as far as team selection is concerned as he looks to ensure there will be no giant killing to appease the television audience.
“The fact it’s on TV on a Friday night, the broadcasters will probably be smelling an upset and it’s our job to make sure they don’t get what they want,” explained Jackson.
“I’ll be fielding a strong team and we’ll be preparing like we would any game. We’re going there to win, we want to be in the third round, we’ll be taking the opponents very, very seriously and we’ll be fielding a team to get us through.
“It’s a great game and broadcasters put it on TV for a reason,” he continued.
“We’re one of the bigger teams in the competition at this stage and it’s a big League One side up against a non-League team so it has all the ingredients for what they look for in an FA Cup tie, Friday night under the lights.
“We can’t give them what they want, for this one the whole world and everyone watching will be against us and wanting an upset, we can’t have that so we need to make sure we turn up properly and make sure they don’t get their wish.”
Meanwhile, Jackson provided an injury update as he confirmed Jason Pearce would not be available for Friday night, while Ryan Inniss is nearing a long-awaited return.
“Ryan out on the grass,” he said.
“He's joined in with some passing drills with the group and should be back in full training on Monday.
“The game will come too soon for Pearcey, but hopefully he’ll get out on the grass with the physio and the sports science lads over the weekend and, hopefully, he’ll be back in training on Monday with a view to being involved on Tuesday.”
