Powell challenges Charlton strikers to impress during Kermorgant's suspension

12:19pm Thursday 28th February 2013

By George Jones

CHRIS Powell concedes Yann Kermorgant’s suspension is a big blow for Charlton, but points out the Frenchman’s absence provides an opportunity for someone else to come in and impress.

Kermorgant was sent off against Nottingham Forest for violent conduct in a scuffle with ex-Addicks loanee Greg Halford, meaning he will miss Saturday’s home game against Burnley and the following two matches at Peterborough and Huddersfield.

But Powell is backing someone to step in and fill the void left by the suspended striker.

“Anyone who saw his performance at Leicester would have seen a virtual 10 out of 10 performance, he was outstanding,” said Powell.

“It’s three games, it will be over in a week so he is fortunate in that respect that it will be over double quick.

“We have brought in Jon Obika, who has looked good in training, looks sharp, and we want him to make a difference.

“Ricardo Fuller, Danny Haynes - these guys now with three games in a week are vital to us if we can provide them with service and with chances to make us win games.

“Burnley is another chance for us to get a league double and we’ll be doing our utmost to make that happen on Saturday.

“But also with Peterborough on the Tuesday and then Huddersfield the following Saturday, it’s a big, big week for us.”

The loss of Kermorgant has fuelled talk the Charlton boss may tinker with his formation, as the Frenchman has led the Addicks line superbly in recent week in a lone role.

But with Kermo now missing, Powell may return to the 4-4-2 formation which served him so well last season, with new loan signing Obika being tipped to make his first start.

Powell admitted: “I’ve got a few permutations in my head, we’ve got it right in some games and haven’t got it right in others.

“That’s something I’ll be looking to address, but we’ll make sure that the players are fully aware of their responsibilities in any formation.

“We’ve won games playing one up front at home or away, it’s one or three up front in and out of possession.”

The manager added: “We have won games with two up top, we’ve lost games with two up top, so it’s on any given day whether the players have the impetus to take the game by the scruff of the neck and really impose themselves upon it.

“I tried last week but obviously Forest were on the front foot and for me were the best side we have played, so sometimes it is just about adapting to the conditions and doing your best to win any given game.”

On Obika, Powell said: “He’s been good, looks sharp, likes a shot, and likes to put the ball into the back of the net, which is really, really good.

“He can play anywhere across the front but he has looked sharp, he has settled in fine, he’s a good worker and has obviously been coached very well at Spurs.

“Hopefully we’ll enhance that and enhance him as a player and hopefully he’ll make a real impact in the remaining 12 games.”