Garner eager to make most of ‘ideal cup tie’ v QPR

By Yann Tear

Ben Garner says he will ring the changes for tomorrow night’s League Cup clash with QPR at the Valley – but is still relishing the challenge of taking a Championship scalp. 

The Addicks, buoyed by their first win of the campaign at home to Derby County on Saturday, will be looking to maintain momentum and the boss sees the fixture as perfect on so many fronts. 

“It’s nice to get the home win Saturday and take that into tomorrow night,” he said. 

“I think it’s fantastic that it’s a Championship side. Fantastic that it’s a London club, so it should create a good atmosphere and we’re looking forward to the game. 

“In this competition, you always want to play a higher division team. It gives an opportunity for us to test ourselves and try and get a scalp from a club in a higher division. The fact it’s a London club always makes it more of a game – from the crowd’s point of view as well. 

“But we need to utilise the squad. There are players who’ve trained really well and deserve an opportunity to play, but we still want to put a team on who can win the game, regardless of how many changes we make within games and between games – the ultimate objective is to still win. 

“It provides an opportunity for some players to come in and stake their claim – it gets more minutes for some that need it. We’ll be setting out to win.” 

Garner added: “It should be a good game. One we are very much looking forward to. Hopefully we can create a good atmosphere because that certainly helped on Saturday, particularly in that second half, and it’s a huge strength of this club. It’s such a passionate fan base – the club means so much to them.  

“Our priority is the league, for sure, but we want to be competitive in every competition we play in, even the EFL Trophy, which is another opportunity to blood young players, show case them first-team football and see what they can do.

“But, again we want to win the game and win whatever competition we are in, so we have to utilise those [changes] wisely.” 

Garner knows how galvanising cup ties can be and the thrill of earning a shot against one of the big teams that you would not normally have the chance to play. At Swindon last term, when he was in charge, he had one such moment. 

“I experienced that last season when we got to play Manchester City,” he said. “Occasions like that for the supporters are fantastic and the chance to make round three and meet a Premier League side.” 

Pictured top: Garner overseeing Saturday’s 1-0 win against Derby County (Picture: Keith Gillard)