Macaulay Gillesphey isn’t letting his Sky Bet League One Player of the Month nomination distract him from his focus on Charlton’s trip to Cambridge United on Saturday.
"It's always nice being nominated for things like that," said the in-form defender. "But to be honest with you, that's not really my focus. I just want to try and do as well as I can for the team, and hopefully the team keeps going as we are and doing well."
Gillesphey’s pressing intensity and passing game has been praised by Nathan Jones, who he feels has helped raise his all-round game.
"I feel I've improved this season under the gaffer and the way he's trying to make us play. I think we're all improving under him. We're always just going to get better. Personally I think I've come on quite a lot recently and hopefully I can keep improving."
The centre-back has been effective at both ends this season, helping the Addicks keep 18 league clean sheets and scoring a career-high five goals to date.
"I’ve just been in the right place at the right time! I’ve got a bit of confidence [in my free-kick taking] as well. It helps with Bez [Luke Berry] - he usually decides last second who takes it! If I fancy it on the day, I’ll take one."
The 29-year-old is anticipating a tough test at the Cledara Abbey Stadium this weekend and knows how important a sold-out Addicks away end will be to the team.
"The fans are massive, especially at the away games. We know we're going to get great support at The Valley, but the away games are massive for us and the fans definitely help.
"It's a tricky place to go, Cambridge. I've been there a few times and they can make it a tough game if we're not at it. The key thing for us is just to make sure we're 100% at it."
The Addicks return to The Valley on Good Friday to host Northampton Town. Don't miss out - click here to purchase your tickets now!
(Article by Noah Langford, transcription by Luca Morton)
