CHARLTON keeper John Sullivan is looking to make the most of a rare opportunity to start on Saturday at Craven Cottage.

Since the arrival on Ben Hamer in August, Sullivan’s first team opportunities have been limited.

But with Charlton’s regular keeper suspended on Saturday, it’s looking very likely Sullivan will get his chance to impress on the big stage of a Premier League ground.

He said: “It has been a tough season for myself personally, I can’t really have too many complaints because the team are top of the league.

“It’s been very frustrating for me.

“When I’ve come in during the cup games I feel I’ve done well.

“In my head I’m a number one.

“Hopefully I can be the number one here.

“I’m not one to sulk around and just sit there and think ‘why aren’t I playing?’

“Obviously I’ve got to do something about it and hopefully Saturday might be a good opportunity for me to show what I can do.

“All I can do is get my head down, keep working hard and hopefully get my chance.”

Charlton’s number two admitted he knew the Addicks were going to be successful this season, so had no hesitation joining from rivals

target="_blank">Millwall.

However, even though Rob Elliot moved on, the arrival of Ben Hamer has meant Sullivan has been restricted to cameo roles in cup games so far, something he is philosophical about.

Sullivan added: “Last season when I came here I knew the club was going to push on this year.

“I can see why the club brought Ben Hamer in, who is an excellent goalkeeper, because it was more than likely that Robbie was going to move on.

“When Ben was brought in, I knew it was more likely that he would start.”

Charlton will find themselves in an unusual position on Saturday as they head into the game as underdogs.

And Sullivan is expecting a busy game between the sticks against Premier League opponents.

He said: “It will be different, obviously when most teams come to The Valley we are a massive scalp.

“For us going to Fulham we are the underdogs, but it could work in our favour “They’ve got threats all over the pitch, whether that be their attacking players like Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora, or their centre halves coming up for corners.

“We need to show them respect, they’re an established Premier League club and a good Premier League team.”

The Addicks will be backed by 7,000 fans at the Cottage on Saturday and Sullivan insists Charlton are heading into the game with nothing to fear.

He added: “It’s a game we can look forward to.

“We’re top of League One and doing really well this season. We’ve got nothing to fear, we’re going to go there and give it a right go.”

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