Middlesbrough v Charlton

CHARLTON manager Alan Curbishley has demanded an immediate and positive response from his side at Middlesbrough on Sunday following Saturday’s dismal FA Cup exit against Leicester.

Curbishley, assistant Keith Peacock and coach Mervyn Day held a five-hour inquest on Sunday into the manner of the team’s defeat which could lead to a shake-up in selection.

Curbishley, who confessed to being "deeply upset" after watching his side outplayed by Coca-Cola Championship opposition, said: "I think that if anything good came out of that defeat, it might shake us up for the rest of the season.

"We’ve worked so hard to get where we are – eighth in the Premier League – so let’s hope that is a one-off because we’ve got 12 really important games left.

"I’ve been disappointed with the past two homes games – Liverpool and Leicester. Now we’ve got two tough away games against Middlesbrough and Fulham then a run of three home games which will shape the rest of our season. If we tail off now through a lack of effort and desire I would be concerned."

Curbishley insisted the FA Cup was a high priority for Charlton and the players. He added: "For clubs like us the FA Cup is really important. If you ask any of the players they will tell you that we wanted to win it.

"If you win, you come in on Monday hoping for a good draw. Now we’ve got to be determined that our season does not fall flat."