Jake Forster-Caskey played a crucial role in picking up three points against Derby County at the weekend but was seen in an unfamiliar position, operating at left wing-back for the second game running.
The 25-year-old explained the transition from playing as a midfielder to wing-back and how he is enjoying his new role in the team.
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He said: “I haven’t played wing-back before to be fair but I’d rather be playing than not playing so if the gaffer wants me to play there then I will. I feel comfortable there, I read the game quite well. I’ve slotted in and think I’ve done well so I’m enjoying it.
“I have to do a bit more sprinting! I do get a bit more time on the ball than in midfield though. It may be a bit easier in that regard but I have to do a bit more running up and down instead. I’m enjoying it.
“Playing next to Naby [Sarr], he’s a good footballer and he talks me through it all the time which helps. Being in a team that works so hard and wants to win every game makes it so easy.”
The flexibility of Lee Bowyer’s tactics, changing from a back four to a back five means that Forster-Caskey has been able to fill in on the left hand side despite injuries to Lewis Page and Ben Purrington.
“It’s enjoyable to play different formations and if the gaffer wants to play a different formation, we do as he says. We’ve got a young and enthusiastic manager who hasn’t got much wrong so far so we all listen to him and do as we’re told, and it’s working.” Forster-Caskey explained.
“The whole 11 work so hard, whoever the gaffer puts out. The manager asks us players to give everything and we do. I’m playing left wing-back, out of position, but he wants us to work hard and put in the effort and I think we do that for him.
“Bows being banned doesn’t make much of a difference, we do the work in training together and we’re the ones on the pitch, as professionals we’ve got to do a job.”
Forster-Caskey has praised the Charlton Athletic faithful and believes that the support from the fans has helped keep up the momentum this season.
“The momentum from last season helps but also The Valley. The fans at home are amazing. Away from home they’re superb too. Ever since we’ve gone on this run they’ve been amazing and today they were right behind us as well.
“It’s too early to look at the table and get carried away. Like I said before, the gaffer wants us to win every game and sets the team out to win every single game, home or away. Us as players go out there to win games so we try and get the three points.”
Article by Nick Emms
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