Jose Riga still believes that Charlton can beat the drop despite losing 3-0 at Fulham today.

The defeat leaves the Addicks bottom of the Championship with only one win in 15 league games.

A brace from Tom Cairney and Michael Madl’s header made sure the South Londoners remain six points from safety.

However, Riga is refusing to think that the the Addicks are dead and buried - and admits he saw a Charlton team battling until the final whistle.

He said: “It’s tough to take because it’s not usual as we haven't conceded a goal from a set piece since I’ve been here. It’s very important to be effective and we were not.

“I saw a team creating opportunities and doing well. It’s just that we conceded the second goal at the worst moment. Mentally it’s quite hard when you are in our situation.

“We created a lot of opportunities even in the end. I saw a Charlton side matching with Fulham.

“Hope and will is still there and certainly 3-0 is quite difficult for us to accept but I saw my team still going.

“In the dressing room, all the players are very disappointed so it’s not the right moment to speak too much.

“It’s not the end of the season, we've seen many stories of teams who have looked like they cannot survive - but from what I saw today, I’m still believing.”

Charlton were unlucky to be 1-0 down at half-time - after good work from Zakarya Bergdich, his cut-back found Callum Harriott whose shot was well saved by Andy Lonegran.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Simon Makienok also had good chances to give the Addicks the lead but saw their efforts go wide of the post.

In the 32nd minute, Fulham went ahead when former Charlton player Scott Parker’s shot came crashing off the crossbar and Cairney tucked in the rebound.

Michael Madl's header and a second goal from Cairney in the second-half put the game to bed.

Charlton travel to Preston on Tuesday and Riga is hoping to have Jordan Cousins and Igor Vetokele back in his squad.

He added: “I’m hoping Jordan Cousins can be back and also with Igor, we hope that he can return, too.

“Igor is training each day and of course, I hope we have the green light as soon as possible.

“He’s very close to being able to play. The injuries have been a repetition of the story this season.”