Victory paramount if Wilson’s battlers are to beat the drop

The Reds sit rock bottom of the Championship and are five points adrift of safety following the weekend defeat at Bolton Wanderers.

With Charlton Athletic, the side Barnsley visit tonight, occupying the place immediately above the relegation zone, victory is paramount for Danny Wilson’s men.

Even a draw would make it very hard for the South Yorkshire club to extend their eight-year stay in the second tier due to there being just four games left this term.

Wilson said: “Charlton was always going to be big, but with the games now dwindling away we have to get a win under our belt quickly.

“There is no better place to do that than at the home of one of your rivals. Going to The Valley is a fantastic game from our point of view and we will go there really full of confidence after the performance we put in at Bolton.

“Straight after Bolton, I said all I needed to say about Charlton. I won’t have to pick them up even though we lost.”

The Reds have no new injury concerns ahead of the trip to Charlton, who have a game in hand on Wilson’s men plus a vastly superior goal difference, with Martin Cranie having returned to the bench for Saturday’s loss at the Reebok.

Liam Lawrence was back in the starting line-up at Bolton following a calf strain, while Jacob Mellis is hoping for a recall.

Last six games: Charlton Athletic WLWLWL, Barnsley LWWDLL.

Last time: Charlton Athletic 0 Barnsley 1; October 22, 2012; Championship.

Referee: I Williamson (Berkshire).