'No fear' - Charlton boss sparks confidence ahead of League One Derby County clash

Charlton are back in action just three days after going toe-to-toe with the League One leaders Portsmouth. Despite valiant efforts from both sides, Saturday's match remained goalless and the Addicks were able to secure a much needed point against the top side in the league.

They will now take on Derby on Tuesday 27 February in the hope of further separating themselves from the drop zone, which currently sits just three points below them. Derby are second in the table, but the Addicks' recent results have meant that newly appointed boss Nathan Jones has no concerns heading into Tuesday's fixture.

Not only did Charlton draw 0-0 against Portsmouth, but their previous fixture saw them draw 3-3 against Bolton in Bolton. As they prepare to take on the second-placed side in the league, Jones told reporters : "We've got nothing to fear. I don't have any fear going into Derby, with respect. I respect everyone, and I know Derby for the level is a very difficult game but we're not going to fear it or anyone.

"We have a way of playing, a way as a team and if you're good enough to beat us then fine, but if not, we're Charlton! That's the mentality."

The former Luton manager took over Charlton just 24 hours before the side's most recent clash against Derby. The February fixture ended 1-0 in favour of the Rams but Jones believes it was the Addicks who put in the better shift at the Valley.

"There was nothing in the game", Jones continued. "Charlton were the better side. Derby showed just the one bit of quality from a slight error that won them the game and that's the margins in the game. We have to show that quality but still be the aggressive team we are."

"We're not in a false position. We're 34 games in and you can't say we've been unlucky for 34 games. It's just for the last three games we've started to put in performances that defy where we are in the league. But we have to keep building, because we've got to get away from here and build for the future."