Charlton need to resolve their defensive issues if they are to get out of their current slump according to Tom Lockyer.

The Addicks have conceded 11 goals in their last six games which has contributed heavily in them picking up just two points in that run.

Defender Lockyer is aware they will need get back to their early season rear-guard solidity if they are to turn their fortunes around.

“We’re a team that can’t buy a clean sheet at the minute and it’s costing us,” the Welsh international said.

“It’s very frustrating especially for me being a defender.

“We are always going to create chances as we are an expansive team, it’s keeping them out the other end that is our Achilles heel.”

The summer signing from Bristol Rovers felt a change in their playing style may be a contributing factor in their recent downturn in results.

“The clean sheets we’ve had are when we’ve sat off them, we’ve let them have possession, got a little block in, and everything was played in front of us.

“It’s a bit more when we go after teams we get pulled around and we seem to be conceding a few more goals.

“But we want to be a team on the front foot, be that high-pressure team, no one wants to be camped in our 18-yard box, but we have to do both sides.”

The challenge of Championship football was not lost on the Welsh International prior to joining the Addicks and he admits poor spells of results were expected, but it was how you deal with them that matters.  

“It is backs against the wall at the minute, but it’s a long old season and we were under no illusions even when we were up there after the start we had.

“If you go a season without a bad run then you’re going to be up there near promotion.

“We are on a bad run at the minute, and I’ve always said winning is a habit and so is losing, so we’ll try not to make losing a habit for too much longer.

“The good thing is we’ve got a game in a few days and a chance to put it right.”