Charlton return from their pre-season tour of Ireland with many questions still to be answered, following a victory and two defeats during their three game stopover in the country.

Karl Robinson’s men followed up a thumping of Crumlin United with defeats to Limerick and UCD, in what was a gruelling schedule of three games in three days for the former MK Dons boss’ side.

Fans and management will be disappointed with the defeats to the Irish outfits, who are in the middle of their own league campaigns which began earlier in the summer.

Charlton fans may feel concerned with results from the tour, but the Addicks faithful need not worry too much.

The club participated in three games in successive days, and Robinson highlighted the importance of the regaining of fitness ahead of their season opener next month at home to Bristol Rovers.

Charlton let a two goal lead slip to lose 3-2 to Limerick, before UCD smashed 4 past the Addicks in a 4-1 win which ended Charlton’s time on the Emerald Isle.

Charlton had plenty of chances in their defeat to UCD, and Robinson bemoaned his side’s finishing after they notched up double figures in attempts whilst only converting the single goal.

The tour was an excellent opportunity to test his players following the summer break, and the squad will now return to south London to prepare for their game with the Pirates in a few weeks time.

There is plenty of time left for Robinson’s side to gel and find their killer instinct, but a competitive tour with competitive fixtures was exactly what Robinson wanted from his trip to Ireland.

The results may not have gone their way, but Charlton will have gained a lot for their trip across the Irish Sea, and will build in the coming weeks for an assault at the top six, and an escape from the third tier of English football.