Charlton’s reward for beating Carlisle at the Valley on Saturday is a trip to Premier League side Fulham in the Third Round of the FA Cup.

The cup can be a distraction for promotion chasing sides, winning at Old Trafford nearly derailed Leeds’ season a couple of years back for instance. Others – like Powell – believe that it can add momentum to the league campaign.

For the second season running Charlton have been drawn away to a London Premier League side, this time a visit to Fulham awaits. Here is what Powell had to say ahead of the draw:

“Would I like a cup run? Absolutely, why not? I think it adds to our momentum and the winning mentality around the club for our supporters and for my players, and it keeps the players that have been on the fringes involved.

“Of course, you can’t keep everyone happy all of the time, but if you get an opportunity to make changes that you feel will still keep us strong and keep us in the game, then you will do that.

“I’m pleased that I have made those changes and they have got a result, and I’m happy we are in the third round.

“You never know who we will get. Of course, people talk about cup runs and never talk about Charlton in the same sentence, but I’d like us to progress now. Whoever we get, I want to make a mark and hopefully progress to the fourth round.

“People want a big day out away from home but I would like a home draw preferably.

“I’d like maybe a side to test us from the Premier League or the Championship but it doesn’t matter, I just think whoever we play against, I’d like us to do ourselves justice and do this club proud, as the players have done since August 6th. We will just see who we get.”

Will Powell field his full strength side at Craven Cottage? He was understandably cagey and continued:

“We will see, that’s my decision, and that’s what I am paid for.

“We have got to see who we get and get the right balance. Of course, the players want to do well and play in every game. Brad and Yann were itching to play in the game today but I felt it was only right, after their exploits recently, that I gave some others a chance.

“We will see who we get first and then I will deal with my squad of 18 for that particular game,” said Chris before adding his thoughts about the disappointing attendance on Saturday, “It’s expensive (football) and financially this country is not in a great shape.

“I know we had a great turn-out and the supporters were superb on Monday, but it was good support again.

“I know it was down under 8,000, but after being initially quite quiet, they grew into the game and we gave them something to cheer about I think.

“I know our support is first class at home and away and I’m sure we will go and have plenty of numbers at Walsall and then we have Oldham in our next home game.

“I’m happy with our support, which has been good home and away this year. The ones that were here this today have seen a good 2-0 win,” concluded Chris.

Many supporters will feel honourable defeat at a Premier League ground is the best option with a return to the Championship being the main priority. Fulham are not the glamour side the fans would have relished playing but the Addicks fans will form a sizeable chunk of the gate.

Martin Jol will likely play a weakened side but his team will be firm favourites to progress to the next round.