Charlton boss gives his verdict on EFL Trophy draw against Milton Keynes

Johnnie Jackson has given his verdict on Charlton being drawn at home against Milton Keynes in the last-16 of the EFL Trophy.

The Addicks are still in two cup competitions and also have a Valley date early in 2022 in the FA Cup third round – facing Premier League Norwich City.

But Charlton’s greater prospects of a trip to Wembley lie in the EFL Trophy after they beat Aston Villa U21s last week.

Next up is Milton Keynes, who defeated Leyton Orient 5-4 on penalties in the previous round.

“I’m pleased we’re at home,” Jackson told the South London Press. “Obviously we’ve had a gruelling schedule as far as travelling is concerned in the past fortnight. If you look we had Morecambe on a Tuesday night, Shrewsbury on the Saturday and then Gateshead last Friday night.

“For the Villa game we drew them away but thankfully because they are an U21 side they swapped it. Otherwise it would’ve been four away on the bounce.

“Now it’s nice that we get a couple of back-to-back home games [Ipswich tonight and then Cambridge on Saturday] and we’re also at home in the Papa John’s. The more you can play at home and have less travelling, especially this time of the season, the better.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS