Charlton midfielder Albie Morgan eyeing up EFL Trophy glory ahead of quarter-final with Hartlepool United

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton midfielder Albie Morgan is eyeing up EFL Trophy glory as the Addicks prepare for a quarter-final tie against Hartlepool United.

The South Londoners travel to Victoria Park to face the League Two Poolies tomorrow evening knowing they are just two wins from a trip to Wembley.

With the play-offs looking increasingly out of reach for the Addicks, a run to the final of the much-maligned tournament – hugely unpopular since a change of rules allowed Premier League and Championship clubs to enter their u21s into the competition – could be all that the club have to play for this season.

Morgan, who missed out on Charlton’s last trip to the national stadium when he was dropped for the League One play-off final against Sunderland in 2019, would love to get his chance to play under the famous arch.

He said: “Why not? It’s a trophy to win and a chance to play at Wembley. We want it as a club, going and achieving something. I think it’s frowned upon, the competition, but any player in the team would love the chance to go and play at Wembley. Especially if they haven’t played there before, like myself. I’d love to go all the way. It would be a great achievement if we end up winning it.

“All the young boys coming through, when I was their age I got my chance and that was the competition where you get your games. For those that frown upon the competition, it’s good for the academy boys to get minutes and show what they can do. For me, it helped me build. I got my first goal in it. I got more minutes. Those competitions have made me mature into the player I am, I think.”

PHOTO: KYLE ANDREWS