Jake Forster-Caskey: Work-rate was key to Charlton victory over Derby + admits Chelsea youngster’s form not aiding his hopes of a midfield startingrole

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Jake Forster-Caskey has admitted that Charlton’s 3-0 victory over Derby County on Saturday was “almost an easy win”.

The Addicks rarely looked out of control as they moved up to seventh in the Championship table.

Derby were unable to get their own game going as they were hounded out of possession – former Charlton loanee Krystian Bielik typifying a poor display by the visitors.

“We got the early goal, which always helps,” said Forster-Caskey. “I just said to the guys in there [the dressing room] that the work-rate really helped us.

“We outworked them – that was evident all game. We didn’t give them a chance or time on the ball.

“In the end it was almost an easy win.

“Krystian is a brilliant player, we know that from last season. I don’t think any player likes to have no time on the ball, no matter how good you are. It makes the game a lot harder. We closed down and put them under pressure in good areas.”

Forster-Caskey has played the last two matches at left wing-back – covering the absence of Ben Purrington.
And he admits the form of Conor Gallagher – who scored the excellent third goal against Derby – is making it harder to nail down a spot in his natural position of central midfield.

“It doesn’t help me when he keeps putting it in the top corner but it’s brilliant,” said Forster-Caskey. “He’s come in and been fantastic through the whole campaign. Josh [Cullen] as well. The whole 11, whoever the gaffer puts out there, works hard.

“He is a manager who asks the players to give everything and we do that. I’m playing out of position but he wants work-rate and to leave everything out there.

“I’d rather be playing that not playing. I feel quite comfortable there [at left wing-back] and feel that I read the game quite well.

“There’s probably a bit more sprinting but you get more time on the ball than in central midfield.

“Playing next to Naby [Sarr], who is a good footballer, he is talking to me throughout the whole game – that helps. It’s easy to slot into a team which is working so hard and wanting to win every game.

“We’ve got a young and enthusiastic manager who hasn’t done a lot wrong so far.

“I still think it’s a bit too early to be looking at the table and getting carried away. The gaffer wants us to win every single game – he sets us up that way home or away. We’re going out there to win the three points.”

PICTURE: PA