VALLEY boss Chris Powell sees Nottingham Forest as a big challenge for Charlton on Saturday but believes his side can cope without injured defender Matt Taylor.

Charlton lie ninth in the Championship table and are up against a side who were on the receiving end of a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Wigan in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Sean O’ Driscoll’s side sit just above Charlton going into the game and Powell knows they pose a real threat.

He explained: “They have picked up some decent results and they are unbeaten in the league. They will get the ball down and they will pass.

“They have added to the squad and spent a bit of money, which we all knew they would under the new owners.

“Traditionally they are a very good football club with some good players.

“Andy Reid, who we know well here (at Charlton), is a very talented player, along with a few more.”

Powell added: “We will approach the game like we did at Birmingham away from home.

“The two home games we’ve had were encouraging so we will be looking to go there and perform to continue our own mini unbeaten run.”

The Addicks boss will be without Matt Taylor after the player suffered a foot injury in the warm up against Hull last week. When asked about how long he would be without the defender’s services, Powell said: “Possibly six weeks.

“Knowing Matt and the way he conducts himself and looks after himself it could be earlier.

“That would be a bonus.

“It was a freak injury for him but it happens, that is the way football is.”

Talking about the importance of Taylor’s contribution, the manager added: “He was a mainstay in my team last year and regardless of whether he is playing or not, I know his attitude and character are first class.

“These things test you but I know Matt will come back strong.

“But this gives an opportunity to Dorian Dervite to come into the team.

“That’s what happens.

“Regardless of how the season starts, whether you are in the team or not, things always change and we will have to make do without Matt for a number of weeks.”

One man on the road to recovery is striker Danny Haynes but he won’t be back in time for this weekend’s trip to the City Ground.

Powell said: “Danny Haynes has started training and is looking fit but obviously he is behind with regards to match time.

“I am glad to see him out there.

“I want to see as many players as possible out on the training ground every day.”

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