Charlton Athletic midfielder will ‘relish’ any stick he gets from Oxford fans

Charlton Athletic midfielder Jack Payne says he will “relish” any stick he gets from Oxford United fans on Saturday.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder came off the bench to score his first goal for the Addicks last weekend in a 3-1 defeat at Barnsley.

Payne is pushing for a return to the starting line-up for the visit of the U’s. He scored three goals in 28 appearances for them before cutting short his loan in the 2017-18 League One season at the midway point to join promotion rivals Blackburn Rovers for the remainder of that campaign.

“I really enjoyed my time there [at Oxford].” Payne told the South London Press. “I played some of the best football of my career. But I then went on to play for their rivals Swindon, so I’m not sure they are keen on me as a person.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing against Oxford and there’s still a few familiar faces I know there.

“I’ll be right up for the weekend.

“I’d rather get the stick. If you’re not getting it you’re probably not doing anything right. If you do it’s because you’ve done well for the club. If I’d gone there and been a bit of bit-part player then they probably wouldn’t have been too bothered.

“Because I did quite well for them and then went on to do well for Swindon, I don’t think they will be too keen on me. That’s fine, I’ll relish that.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS