Hopeful Powell sets himself a Cup goal

Leo Spall13 April 2012

Charlton's Chris Powell is aiming to become an unlikely hero against Walsall tomorrow.

The defender believes the FA Cup fourth-round tie against the First Division side could give him an opportunity to make a rare appearance on the scoresheet.

Powell's last goal - the only one he has scored for Charlton since joining them from Derby in 1998 - came at the same stage of last season's competition in the 4-2 defeat by Tottenham.

But this time the England international thinks he could sneak a goal which has a more positive effect on the outcome.

He said: "I have had a few chances since Tottenham and even had one in the last round against Blackpool which I slashed high and wide.

"But the FA Cup is the sort of competition, and tomorrow's is the sort of game, which can throw up a new name or an unlikely hero or goalscorer and I am probably due one."

Powell is naturally keen to score against Walsall but would happily forgo personal glory for a safe passage into the fifth round.

The furthest the 32-year-old has been in the competition is the quarter-finals, reached once with Charlton two years ago and once with Derby in 1997.

He added: "I think retaining our Premier League status has got to be our top priority but we should give the FA Cup the respect it deserves and try to stay in it as long as possible.

"We could not ask for better draws, getting lower division opposition at home with Blackpool last time and Walsall this. So I don't see any reason why we cannot go on. I have won promotions and played for my country but I have never really done anything in the cups so that is overdue.

"Graham Stuart is the only player in our squad who has played in a final when he helped Everton win the FA Cup in 1995 and it would be really nice to do well."

Powell also thinks a good Cup run would be a just reward for the team's loyal fans and keep their season alive for longer.

Charlton are in 10th place in the Premiership but are still as near to relegation as they are to a European place.

Tomorrow's game provides a welcome distraction but their chances of claiming a place in the fifth round will not be helped by the absences of defender Luke Young, who has an ankle injury, and suspended midfielder Scott Parker.

Powell believes Walsall will not be easy opponents, despite a managerial change this week which saw Ray Graydon replaced by Colin Lee.

He said: "They may have lost their manager but they will still be coming to a Premier League ground and will want to do well against a top-flight team.

"They always tried to play good football under Graydon and it is going to be a difficult game."

Charlton v Walsall
3pm, tomorrow, The Valley

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