JACK O’Connell says he would relish the chance to face Championship opposition for the first time if he is asked to fill in at left back at Charlton Athletic tomorrow.

The 20-year-old was recalled early from a loan spell at Rochdale this week and is on standby to start at the Valley.

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Rovers have an injury doubt over Markus Olsson and Tommy Spurr may not be ready to start after a lengthy lay-off, while the club require permission from Bolton Wanderers to play on-loan Alex Baptiste.

O’Connell is a centre back by trade but can also play at left back, so is hoping he may get the call to feature tomorrow – even if he knows forcing way past Grant Hanley and Shane Duffy in the centre of defence would be tough.

“There’s no doubt they’re top players but I’ve been told there have been a few injuries over the weekend so hopefully I might be able to fill in elsewhere,” he said.

“I’ve never played against a Championship opponent, it would be the first time and it would be a good experience regardless of the result - but obviously you want to get through to the next round.

“The highest I’ve played is League One and I’m ready to take the next step.

“I’ve done everything that’s been asked of me, Gary’s asked me to go to League Two and then League One and now hopefully I can get my chance and do it in the Championship.”

O’Connell made his Rovers debut earlier this season in the first round of the League Cup against Scunthorpe United, before returning to Rochdale after helping them to promotion from League Two last season.

Both O’Connell and John O’Sullivan were refused permission to play in the FA Cup while out on loan, to keep them available for Rovers in the competition.

“I had a chat with Gary and he agreed not to play me (in the FA Cup at Rochdale) in case this happened and it’s come along so hopefully I can get my chance,” he said.

“I’ve had a good experience in League One. I scored three goals - two came on the bounce –and you’re playing against better players in bigger stadiums.

“So it is a step and hopefully I can make the next step, which is the Championship.”

Bowyer remained tight-lipped on whether or not O’Connell would be in the starting XI at The Valley.

“It might be that it’s something we have to have a look at and play them on Saturday, but we’ll wait and see how people recover,” the Rovers manager said ahead of the cup clash.