Addicks boss Karl Robinson set for early return to stadiummk in Emirates FA Cup

Karl Robinson says he will be proud to lead his youthful Charlton Athletic side into Emirates FA Cup action against former club MK Dons on Tuesday.

The new Addicks manager spent six largely successful years in charge at stadiummk before leaving the club earlier this season.

After quickly getting back into work with Charlton, he oversaw a 0-0 draw with his former club at the Valley in his first game in charge in the first second round tie ten days ago. 

The League One rivals now meet again in the replay, with a third round trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on offer for the winners.

And Robinson is hopeful that this particular FA Cup story will work in his favour at a ground where he has so many happy memories.

"It's nice to go back to a club that you've worked at, if you leave in the right way,” said Robinson, who was relieved of his duties by MK Dons in October following a disappointing start to the campaign and relegation last season.

"But I'm extremely proud to be going back managing this club as well and The FA Cup throws up so many wonderful stories.”

Robinson will name a young line-up for the game, with injuries hitting his squad after a hard-fought draw with Bradford City at the weekend.

And the Charlton boss, who brought a number of players through from the youth ranks during his time with the Dons, is hoping his current youngsters can take their chance to impress.

"It's a sink or swim scenario and I think it's a positive move and it shows you how strong our youth system is,” he added.

"It's a really exciting time, but just because we're playing young players, we're not going there to make up the numbers, we're going there to win.

"I believe in these players and if you believe in them, you'll get an extra ten per cent because the shirt is worth so much to them because they've been here for so long.

"The aim is to be playing Brighton at the Amex in a few weeks time, that would be a great occasion for everybody and to be in the third round of The FA Cup is always an honour.”