Adkins delighted to be back - and looking forward to getting to work on the training ground

Nigel Adkins was predictably upbeat after overseeing his first game as Charlton boss - even if he had to settle for a draw - and says he can't wait to get to grips with his team on the training ground.

The Addicks are still in the play-off positions but were left a little disappointed as they twice lost leads at AFC Wimbledon, a side struggling at the wrong end of the table who they have already beaten 5-2 this season.

Yet Adkins, who was appointed rapidly in the wake of Lee Bowyer's exit, is keen to stress the club is in a great position to push for that top six finish.

"I enjoyed being back," the 56-year-old former Premier League manager said. "It's a great opportunity which came about in a short space of time. I loved it, because you're back involved and trying to affect the game.

"I will watch the players, see how they do things and with the international break now it's an opportunity to get to work on the training ground and we'll see how we can keep improving.

"I'm looking forward to working with the players and getting to know them a lot more.

"Johnnie Jackson knows the players, so obviously I'll be able to rely on his experience and knowledge of these players and I'm looking forward to working with him, moving forward."

Adkins said of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Plough Lane, in which Charlton gave away a second goal with a defensive howler: "That was a tough game - a good game.

"We scored two really good goals. Their second was one we've got to go and talk about. It's a poor one to give away and was a defining moment.

"We're still in the mix. It might feel like it's a defeat , but it's still a point on the board. We're still in the play-offs.

"You've got to give Wimbledon a lot credit. They've been on a good run of form, they're very athletic and played well.

"I speak from experience and I've been promoted several times and in the remaining games there's going to be so many different scorelines and shocks.

"Yes, teams have got games in hand over us but there will be issues of fatigue and maybe we've got an opportunity to maybe recover a few, assess where we are for the final nine games."

Conor Washington was withdrawn after only five minutes with hamstring and lower back pains, and will be assessed in the coming days.