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Inside View with Charlton Athletic midfielder Alan McCormack

08:00, 18 November 2010

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Don't think it was a performance which will make it onto the extras of the end-of-season DVD, but the main thing about Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay win against Barnet was the result.

We had Rob Elliot to thank for our progress to the second round; he made some special saves on the night to ensure we got a clean sheet and that Kyel Reid’s first-half goal was enough.

The manager said it best after the game. He acknowledged our display was scrappy - and it was a complete contrast to the previous weekend against Peterborough United – but the only thing that mattered was the end result.

I’m sure there were a few journalists keen to write a cup upset story, but they had to go home unfulfilled while we waited to see whether we would be facing Luton Town or Corby Town in the next round.

The games are coming thick and fast at the moment, and that’s helped me get a few matches under my belt.

After starting the first half-dozen league games, I’ve been on the bench for a while after a bit of a calf strain, and I certainly can’t complain about that after the team’s recent run.

It’s unfortunate for me because I’m not playing, but at the time things changed, it was the right thing to do.

Therry Racon and Jose Semedo are playing well and that’s good for the team. I can’t sit back and wish they were playing badly because then the team isn’t going to tick over.

There have been times during training when the starting XI goes off to do something and you carry on training, but it’s important not to let your standards drop, and first-team coach Mark Kinsella doesn’t tolerate it anyway.

When you leave the training ground, it’s up to you; if you want to go home and sulk, you can. Alternatively, you can go home, eat properly, drink properly and look after yourself. Those of us not in the side, such as Pawel Abbott, Lee Martin and myself, have done that and kept focused and prepared, and we’ve all played important roles in recent matches.

Being out of the team is a new thing for me and it’s hard, but if I train at my best and that makes the other players train and play at their best, then the team is only going to benefit.

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