Alou Diarra was impressed by his new side’s second half performance in last night’s defeat at Derby County.

The Addicks trailed 2-0 at half-time after early strikes from Jeff Hendrick and Jesse Lingard put the Championship leaders in command.

However, aided by the introduction of Diarra from the bench in place of Lawrie Wilson at the start of the second period, Charlton were a stronger proposition in the second period and restricted chances for the hosts.

And the Frenchman felt ultimately his side were punished for a slack opening 45 minutes.

Diarra admitted: “We were missing in the first half and against Derby, you pay for mistakes.

“We played much better in the second half. We have to be 100 percent from the first minute until the last minute. 

“We won more challenges in the second half, we were higher.

“It was better. If we play like we did in the second half, we can do well in the next game. We have to learn from our mistakes today.

 “We can do better, much better. We have to learn after this game.

“If you want to win against a team like Derby, you have to be ready from the start of the game.”

The French international, who has signed on a short term deal until the end of the season, hopes to bring his fitness levels up to scratch so he can soon be considered for a place in the starting XI.

He said: “I will work hard this week and I hope I will start (on Saturday).

“It’s important for me and for my fitness.

“I will give 100 percent quickly. I believe in the manager. 

“We have to win next week. We lost three points today, we came with a lot ambition but we were missing in the first half and lost the game.”

Diarra added: “I’m not 100 percent fit, I know that.

“My last game was last year, I don’t know when! It’s too long. I work hard every day to be fit to play and I hope after this game I will be better every day.

“I need a game like today to be fit. I only played 45 minutes but I felt well. ”

Diarra, who appeared as a substitute in the 2006 World Cup final for France, revealed he came to Charlton to test himself.

He said: “I looked about for a good challenge for a long time. 

“Charlton proposed me a good challenge and I accepted to sign for Charlton to give my help and experience to this team. 

“I am very happy to sign for this club and I will give 100 percent every game and go hard in training to be fit soon.”

Diarra added: “I am enjoying it. I was very happy to sign for Charlton.

“I hope we will have a good game for the morale for the team.

“The atmosphere is positive. I think if we play like we did second half, then we can beat a lot of teams.”

Charlton return to action against ex-boss Chris Powell, who brings his Huddersfield Town side to The Valley on Saturday afternoon.

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt