Dickson back in contention for Addicks

The Addicks were still trailing when Dickson emerged to replace Svetoslav Todorov with 12 minutes remaining, but they were back on terms four minutes later thanks to Nicky Bailey’s equaliser which earned a 1-1 draw.

Dickson didn’t even make the final 16 last weekend against Burnley and Pardew stated afterwards he wasn’t convinced the striker had done enough to be involved in the first team yet.

However, a week is a long time in football and the unwanted absence of Andy Gray at Portman Road for personal reasons has seemingly given Dickson another chance to stake a claim.

Pardew said: “It is difficult because last year when players weren’t scoring up front I change it, maybe to the detriment of the team.

“Sometimes you’ve got to stick with your strikers and say: “Look I’m going to see you through this rough patch if it brings on a good patch”.

“Andy Gray wasn’t involved the other day through choice.

“He has a personal issue on-going that might keep him out of the game on Saturday or I might include him. That will continue for another three or four weeks.

“I don’t really want to elaborate on it. In some ways we are restricted from the selection of him, which we were on Tuesday.”

The boss added: “I do feel that we have impact strikers and it was good to see Dickson come on and make an impact because he has come on as sub before and not, so that was a good sign.

“I want somebody to score us goals. In training there is nothing between my strikers at the minute, Dickson included.

“He isn’t scoring more goals than anybody else in training. He is perhaps deserving of a chance whereas others have had a good chance to get the goals, but I have to take into consideration all aspects of the game and I will do in my selection on Saturday.”

Charlton remain nearer the foot of the table as opposed to the top of it and the manager admitted those who are playing regularly are playing with a certain degree of fear, something which his substitutes don’t necessarily carry.

He explained: “The guys going into the game are carrying the burden of the responsibility of this run.

“Lloyd Sam, who came on played with a bit of freedom from the bench on Saturday, looked a little bit tighter on Tuesday and probably put in a poor display for the ability he has.

“I have to make sure the set up of the team is in a positive frame on Saturday and I think that is my key position.

“I’m not particularly looking at strikers, I’m looking at the team to set it up in a positive way where we can get two goals.”

Pardew also spoke passionately when asked if he had any complaints from members of his squad who weren’t getting the nod during the present poor run.

He answered bluntly: “I’m not bothered whether they are happy or not.

“There is no one who can justify knocking on my door at the minute saying I should be in this team, apart from the ones who are playing every week like Weaver, Hudson, Cranie at the minute and Bailey.

“Outside of that I could choose anyone of the 20 which I think is my first team squad.

“My argument to them after the game on Saturday was: “Come on, I need some people to grab some shirts here because there are shirts up for grabs”.

“I’m giving people chances and they’ve got to come and grab the shirt. That is how I feel at the minute.”

He added: “I’m not really pussy footing around at the minute, I can’t afford to be. I’m calling a spade a spade.

“Nicky Weaver’s response is perhaps something a few other players should look at as a way in responding to criticism, not just from myself and the coaching staff, but from the fans and everybody else. You stand up and fight back.”

Josh Wright was replaced by the more experienced Matt Holland on Tuesday evening despite an impressive debut against Burnley on Saturday.

Holland also impressed against his old club Ipswich Town, giving Pards something of a welcome headache ahead of this weekend’s home clash with Barnsley.

The manager said: “Josh came in and gave us a lift, but I thought Ipswich away from home is a tough game to play for a young boy who has just made his debut and to play three days later.

“I thought it was the perfect game for Matty.

“Matty was left out (against Burnley) not through injury, but because I wanted more from him and I think he showed on Tuesday he wants his place back, so that is a tough call on Saturday.”

And what is the Addicks boss expecting when Barnsley arrive in SE7?

“We both need the points, that is evident from our league position,” he said.

“They have a couple of major threats, including a player who was released from here, Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

“He has gone away and, like some players do, has excelled elsewhere. He is a danger to us, he will be motivated for the game.

“I also think they are a team who are a bit like us struggling to find form and consistency, so it is a very important game for both clubs.”

Pardew also called for Valley faithful to play their part and thanked them for their recent support when the players were struggling on the pitch.

He said: “The fans were brilliant last Saturday.

“We didn’t have many go to Ipswich, but those who did go we appreciated.

“The atmosphere they tried to create last Saturday, especially in the first half when we were dysfunctional, was outstanding. If they can do that again it can only help us.”