Lloyd Sam welcomes the turn of the year as the perfect opportunity for Charlton to put behind them a forgettable last 12 months.

The Addicks plight at the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship worsened with Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Sheffield United which cut them four points adrift of companions in distress Southampton and five behind Doncaster and Nottingham Forest, who both won on the day.

The rejuvenated winger, who has re-captured his best form in recent weeks, stressed: " We have to look at the New Year as an opportunity to make a fresh start.

"We're starting life with a four-point gap separating us from the rest of the division. But relegation cannot be contemplated because there is still time to haul ourselves out of trouble.

"Having said that, we can't afford to waste any time in putting points on the board."

The Addicks enjoy a respite from their depressing league season on Saturday when Norwich visit The Valley for an FA Cup, third round tie - 15 days after beating the Addicks 1-0 in the league at Carrow Road.

"It's an awkward tie for us because Norwich beat us so recently," said Sam.

"Normally, in our position, you might think the FA Cup would be a distraction to the more important league campaign _ and Norwich, who are only a few points better off, will probably feel the same.

"But we need a win because it's only by winning that you get the confidence to turn around our season."

With caretaker manager Phil Parkinson unable to field his loan signings,changes are certain.

With fellow winger Keith Gillespie having returned to Sheffield United following his loan spell, Sam looks a certainty to start.

"I feel I have a point to prove because I don't think I've done that well," he conceded. "That's obviously why the club brought in Keith Gillespie.

"But I have fought my way into the side and now it's up to me to start delivering the performances, the assists and the goals to help us win games."

Parkinson, who welcomed Sam's return to form, added: "Lloyd has the ability but he must improve his level of consistency."