Charlton’s last two games were arguably their biggest of the season… so where has Johnnie Jackson been?
Following the Birmingham win, other relegation-threatened teams also picked up points, meaning the Addicks had to beat Ipswich and QPR to be in with a realistic chance of survival.
One point from a possible six was taken and Charlton’s skipper was only on the field for one out of the 180 minutes of football played.
Jackson, who made his return as a substitute at Sheffield Wednesday on March 19 after a month on the sidelines, would’ve regained his fitness during the two-week international break.
He featured prominently under Jose Riga before his injury, so it’s mind-boggling as to why he hasn't played a bigger part since the game in Yorkshire.
The solid midfield partnership between Jordan Cousins and Alou Diarra has kept Jackson out of the starting XI.
However, during the goalless draw against Ipswich last Tuesday, the 33-year-old should have been brought on to make an impact off the bench - he was an unused sub instead.
After dominating the match against QPR on the weekend, a second-half stoppage-time winner all but confirmed Charlton’s relegation to League One.
The Addicks are now 10 points from safety with just five games remaining.
Jackson wasn't introduced until the 89th minute at Loftus Road - and had he been on the pitch half an hour earlier, he would’ve put away one of the many chances Riga’s side created.
During the skipper’s time at the Valley, especially in the Great Escape two seasons ago, he’s popped up when it’s mattered to get the team vital points.
You immediately think of the two free-kicks to defeat the Sheffield clubs in the title-winning League One campaign and the last-gasp winner against QPR in 2014.
Jackson’s getting older but his presence on the pitch lifts the fans and the team so it’s frustrating to see he wasn’t utilised more.
His passion, fight and ability to come up with the important goal has been wasted in this relegation battle.
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