Division One: Charlton Athletic v Blackburn Rovers - Andy Neild's preview

EGIL Ostenstad believes it's only a matter of time before strike-partner Ashley Ward gets back among the goals as Rovers prepare to face Charlton tonight.

Ward hasn't scored since Rovers beat Walsall 2-0 at Ewood on September 25th.

But Ostenstad is currently relishing playing alongside the former Barnsley striker.

And, after scoring himself in each of Rovers last two home games, the Norwegian international believes it won't be long before Ward follows suit.

"Ashley's getting chances but, like all strikers, he's going through a patch where he's not scoring goals at the minute," said Ostenstad.

"But as long as he keeps getting chances then the goals will come again.

"It would have been more worrying if he wasn't getting the chances but that's not the case.

"And then once you do score a goal, you tend to score a lot of goals."

Rovers have struggled to find the net all season, particularly under previous boss Brian Kidd, who had problems identifying his favoured strike pair.

But caretaker boss Tony Parkes has brought some stability by sticking with Ward and Ostenstad in attack.

And the strike duo are starting to forge an understanding which could provide the catalyst for a surge up the table.

"When I first came we tried to play three up front, I played more like a right winger and Ashley played by himself in the middle," said Ostenstad. "So we've only played two or three games together and it's going to take a while to get to know each other.

"But I don't think we are playing too badly at the minute and we could get even better.

"Ashley's very unselfish and he works hard for the rest of the team and that's what we need in the situation we are in right now.

"We need everyone to work hard.

"He's also very good in the air and very strong.

"And that makes it easier for me to make runs behind him because he's always likely to win a header and flick it on into the space behind defenders.

"So I've got to try and work off him."

Rovers will rely heavily on the Ostenstad-Ward partnership again at Charlton tonight provided Parkes does not spring a late surprise in his team selection.

But Ostenstad is anticipating a stern examination from Alan Curbishley's men, despite the fact Rovers are going into the game in good heart.

"They're a good side and they are very difficult to beat, especially when they are playing at home," said Ostenstad.

"But we are also playing quite well at the minute as well so it should be a good game between two good teams.

"The way we played on Saturday shows we are playing better together.

"We are creating more chances and we look more like a team compared to earlier in the season when we played like 11 individuals. "And picking up points and winning games breeds confidence."

Ward is also relishing the challenge and he believes the game will act as a gauge to see how far Rovers have come since Parkes stepped in.

"Charlton's a test for us because they are probably everyone's favourites to win the league," said Ward.

"They are certainly one of my favourites at the moment, judging by where they are in the table and how they are playing.

"So they are, obviously, a strong side and it will be interesting to see how much of a corner we have turned when we play a team of that standard."

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