Charlton Athletic midfielder Jack Payne has admitted that he is determined to claim a regular spot in the club's starting eleven for their upcoming league games.

Payne was handed the opportunity to impress last Saturday by Addicks manager Ben Garner as he featured in his side's FA Cup clash with Coalville Town.

The attacking midfielder opened the scoring for Charlton in this fixture before Jayden Stockley doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time.

After Coalville pulled a goal back at The Valley, Payne netted his second goal of the game before Chuks Aneke added a fourth for Charlton in the closing stages.

The Addicks are set to take on Stevenage in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before making their return to league action on Saturday.

Currently ninth in the third-tier standings, Charlton will be confident in their ability to secure a positive result in their upcoming showdown with strugglers Burton Albion.

Ahead of tomorrow's meeting with Stevenage, Payne has set out a clear personal aim.

Speaking to London News Online, Payne said: "I'm on five goals and six assists now, which is a good return that I'm really pleased with.

"We've got some really good players.

"Every game the manager names a team that he thinks is most equipped to win the games on that day,

"I've just got to do what I can to get myself in that team.

"I have full trust in the gaffer and I speak to him.

"It's just about doing what I can on a regular basis to get myself in the team regularly."

 

 

The Verdict

If Payne is able to produce another eye-catching performance tomorrow in his side's meeting with Stevenage, it wouldn't be at all surprising if he is handed a start in Charlton's clash with Burton.

Utilised as a substitute on 12 occasions at this level by Garner during the current campaign, the 28-year-old has provided a respectable total of five direct goal contributions at this level.

With Charlton looking to push on in the third-tier over the course of the coming months, they will need all of their players to step up to the mark.

By delivering the goods on a consistent basis, Payne could potentially establish himself as a key member of their squad.