Charlton Athletic in right mindset for QPR derby

BY TOBY PORTER

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer says his players’ mood has not changed since their pivotal victory at Hull last weekend.

The Addicks are 19th in the Championship going into tomorrow’s home game against QPR – but only one point above the bottom three.

“Before the [Hull] game I said to the players: ‘You are in a good place, you are ready – go and take this opportunity’,” explained Bowyer. “They did that.

“Against QPR it will be the same. We have to stop them playing. And if we do those simple things, we will have more opportunities.

“My only issue is that we have to take our chances. We should have scored at least two more at Hull – and that is being kind. If we had walked off at the break with two or three more, I don’t think anyone would have said anything.

“That was the only disappointing thing. Hopefully, we have saved those up for the other games.”

Bowyer could be without skipper Jason Pearce, whose wife is due to give birth. He stayed at home before the Hull game and drove up by himself – and scored the 18th-minute winner.

“Driving up by himself was not the best preparation for Hull,” Bowyer said. “He said he would sleep better at home, with his wife and kids, because it was the right thing to do. He did really well, looking as sharp as he did, after that long drive.”

Andre Green should be available, after signing an extension to his loan from Aston Villa.

“It was important to have him signed up because he brings us pace and is a good player,” said Bowyer.