ALAN PARDEW turned up the heat on Greg Halford with an outspoken attack on the right-back following his performance in Saturday's 5-3 defeat at Blackpool.

Charlton's manager warned last month's signing on loan from Sunderland that the player had plenty to prove following big money but unsuccessful spells with Reading and the Wearsiders.

He followed up by putting pressure on Halford's place for Saturday's match away to Sheffield United, which could see Charlton parade a new-look defence.

He said: "The right full-back again was poor and I have no problem in saying that because I've told him.

"The two centre-halves were poor - and I've told them. No disrespect to Grant Basey, who returned to the side, but we really missed Kelly Youga (suspension).

“What I need now are players who are going to be mentally strong enough for the final 12 games.

"The back four simply did not function and I'll have to take a long, hard look at that because I can't remember a back four of mine ever playing as poorly as that."