‘Outside factors’ won’t impact on Charlton Athletic team selection

Johnnie Jackson says he will not consider “outside factors” in the League One run-in when it comes to selecting his Charlton Athletic side.

The Addicks are no longer in danger of being sucked into the relegation battle after three wins in a row – the latest last weekend at Doncaster Rovers – but their play-off aspirations were ended long ago.

It gives Jackson the chance to experiment with the 2022-23 campaign in mind. But their next four fixtures are all against sides who have something to play for – Lincoln City, AFC Wimbledon, Rotherham and Morecambe.

The matches against Cambridge United and Shrewsbury are dead rubbers while Ipswich still have plenty to do to get into the top six.

Charlton could only need a draw against the Imps on Saturday to move into the top half of the table.

Asked about how important maintaining the integrity of the competition was, Jackson said: “We try to win every game. My concern is Charlton. I always pick a team that can win the game, regardless of who we’re up against. Anyone I pick will be there on merit.

“Who I pick won’t be to do with outside factors – who we’re playing and where they are in the league will not be factors. Because the team I pick will be capable of winning the game.

“I won’t be considering the opposition and state of play where they are.”