EMIRATES FA CUP | Youngsters to get their chance in MK Dons replay

George Jones reports

Karl Robinson says that some of Charlton’s younger players will get their chance to play in tonight’s Emirates FA Cup second-round replay against Milton Keynes Dons.

The Manager is expected to rest a few of the club’s more senior stars and, as a result, opportunities are likely to be handed to a number of our academy graduates.

“We’ll go with a very young side – four or five of the 11 will probably be 21 and under – but that’s not to say that we’re not going there to win the game,” said Robinson. 

“It’s a real chance for our young players to show what they can do. It’s important to trust them, it’s important to show them that we believe in them. Equally, before we head into January, we might have a superstar here that we can unveil that will save us having to bring someone in, rather than having to spend money."

He added: “Some of the players will be exciting, unpredictable - you are never quite sure what they are going to be like in and out of possession.

“There is generally a freedom and a high expression level in our young players but also that unpredictability.

“Hopefully they can learn very quickly, it’s almost like a sink or swim scenario, but they are getting a chance at a big club like ours and that is the most important thing.

“It shows how strong our academy is and it is an exciting time.”