Powell relishing Birmingham clash

by Nick Wright Friday, August 17, 2012
12:00 PM

Chris Powell expects an early barrage when Charlton face Birmingham on Saturday

Chris Powell is prepared for a difficult test when Charlton face Birmingham City at St Andrews on Saturday.

It will be the newly-promoted Addicks’ first appearance in the Championship since 2009 and promotion-favourites Birmingham will provide a stern test of their credentials.

While new Birmingham boss Lee Clarke has stated his intention to attack from the off, Powell has called on his players to rise to the occasion.

“We worked ever so hard to get out of League One to play in games like this, home and away” said the Charlton manager.

“It will be a tough game. They’ve got a new manager so they will be looking to impress him.

“They’re at home, they’re going to be positive and they’re going to be on the front foot.

“We’ve got to be ready for that start, but the game will settle down.

“It’s going to be a game we have to handle and impose ourselves on. If that’s early on then great but if we have to weather the storm - which I personally think will happen - then we’ll do that.

“It’s up to us not to freeze and play our game, be disciplined and focused.

“It’ll be a good game, it’s going to be competitive.”