Lee Bowyer: My Charlton Athletic players won’t freeze at Wembley

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer does not expect his young Charlton side to freeze at Wembley.

The Addicks are heading to the national stadium a week on Sunday to face Sunderland – with the Championship the prize.

Charlton won 4-3 on penalties against Doncaster Rovers after the second leg of their semi-final against Doncaster ended in a 3-2 defeat after extra-time.

Asked if his side could handle playing at Wembley, Bowyer said: “Yeah. I thought they coped really well tonight. I thought they were nervy a few times tonight in possession – normally we pass a lot better than that.

“We gave away the ball more than we have in a long time.

“But I’m sure once they walk on the pitch and take it all in, I’m sure they’ll be nervy the first few minutes, but it ends up being a game of football. Nothing really changes.

“What we’ve achieved tonight is massive – so big. No-one tipped us to be in the top six and now we’re going to Wembley. We’ve filled the stadium, which hasn’t been filled for so many years.

“The job that me, my staff and players are doing is really good.

“I’m emotional and very proud.”