Nathan Jones has challenged his Charlton side to go into their trip to Wanderers with “no fear”.

Former Luton and Southampton boss Jones took charge at the Valley earlier this month, succeeding Michael Appleton in the hot seat.

The Addicks currently find themselves 20th in the League One table – a point above the drop zone heading into the business end of the campaign.

Charlton drew 1-1 against Lincoln in midweek after Freddie Ladapo cancelled out Reeco Hackett’s opener. They also have tough tests against Portsmouth and Derby coming up before the end of February.

“The opposition is the opposition – we can’t affect that. It is three great tests where we will get better, week in and week out,” Jones told South London Press.

“I saw a categorical difference (against Lincoln) in intensity and the way we played from Saturday. If we have that upgrade week in and week out, then we are going to be a good team.

“They are all tough games. This is League One, it is going to be brutal at times.

“Games will be different but all we can do is build. We face who we face, and we go into each game with respect but no fear.

“(Bolton) are very strong but we have got to be disciplined and do well. We have got to be really good defensively and then be a threat in possession. We have got good players as well.”

Charlton have now gone 14 league games without victory, but Jones is optimistic that results are right around the corner if they can replicate their second-half display against Lincoln.

He added: “We were the better team, second half we were outstanding.

“I want us to play front-footed, be aggressive, athletic and try to create chances, to take the game to the opposition, and we did that second half.

“It is a young group but everything I have asked of them, they have responded. We were excellent.

“Yes, I would have liked to have won the game. I think they had one shot on target, which is tending to happen against this team at the moment - things are going in.

“This is only a start, only a point, but I saw a lot that I am pleased with.”

Wanderers ran out 2-0 winners when the sides met at the Valley in October thanks to goals from Randell Williams and Dion Charles.

Bolton have won their last five matches against the Addicks and have lost just one of the last 10 meetings. That defeat came in January 2017 despite Zach Clough’s opener.