Jose Riga has explained the reasons behind his team selection after Charlton were thrashed 3-0 at Sheffield Wednesday.

Three second-half goals from the Owls ended the Addicks' three-game unbeaten run and the result leaves them six points from safety.

Eyebrows were raised when Riga dropped the highly-rated Ademola Lookman for Reza Ghoochannejhad - the latter starting for the first time since February 13.

The Charlton boss said: “I was tempted to start with Ademola but with Reza being able to play between the lines, he could be more effective.

“The game he played against Sheffield Wednesday last time, he played very well.

“It was just another option but he was too high up on the pitch and not in-between the lines - I only made the changes to look for a better performance.

“We know that Ademola can come on to the pitch but Igor was the first sub because we were struggling on set pieces. You have to think about all the aspects of the game.

“I had to consider everything - a manager never does a good substitute when he loses the game and he always does the right one when he wins the game. Of course, I’m responsible.”

Charlton contained Sheffield Wednesday in the first-half, restricting the play-off-chasing side to speculative shots.

A tame Callum Harriott strike was all the Addicks could muster up during the whole game.

The deadlock was broken when Tom Lees emphatically met Ross Wallace’s inswinging corner in the 64th minute.

Wednesday doubled their lead just six minutes later as Atdhe Nuhiu’s header hit the post and Fernando Forestieri tucked home the rebound.

With Charlton still failing to create any meaningful openings, the Yorkshire side’s third came when Alex Lopez’s long-range shot beat Nick Pope thanks to a huge deflection off El-Hadji Ba.

Riga insists today’s result does not spell the end of a possible Great Escape and expects his full squad to be available after the international break.

He added: “During the hour, we were still in the game but we didn’t create a lot.

“After we conceded it did become very, very difficult for us.

“We didn't get the result we wanted but I said to the players we wanted to go into the two-week break with a good feeling, that’s not the case. But, it doesn't mean it’s the end.

“I’m happy that I could give some minutes to Jackson and Vetokele. Sanogo will be back, too. It will help to have all the squad available.

“Henderson is still injured, he has a problem with his groin, it was the finger but now it’s something else. I hope all these problems will be behind us in the next few games.”

A bizarre statement was sent out by the Charlton hierarchy on Tuesday which accused supporters of wanting the club to fail.

Riga remained coy when asked if that affected the players.

He said: “I can only repeat what I’ve said, I have many things to think about for the team - to find a way to win games and get the points and I’m preoccupied by all of this.”