MARTIN Scott was given a bit of a fright the last time he saw Charlton Athletic play. The Hartlepool United boss is hoping for a nicer surprise tonight.

Pool face Alan Curbishley's side at the Valley tonight in the second round of the Carling Cup.

A day after the draw was made, Scott had the perfect chance to spy on the opposition, when they faced Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

But seeing the Addicks romp to a 3-0 win was little comfort to the Pool boss.

"They were outstanding at Middlesbrough,'' admitted Scott. "The way they went about the job was impressive. They are well organised and very comfortable in possession. They were full of confidence, which is a massive thing.

"It will be a great experience for us. I know they are a good team, Alan Curbishley has done an outstanding job.

"We would have loved a home draw against a massive club. But we can't grumble.

"We went to Crystal Palace last year and took them to extra time - it was a great game.

"This will be a great learning experience for us against a club who have regularly been in a top ten Premiership position.

"They are in the top two at the moment. Alan Curbishley is well respected - he has been there for a lot of years, but we look forward to it and I hope we can put on a similar performance to last year.

"We know what it means for the club financially. The players are trying to progress and we know it will be difficult.

"Charlton have 28 quality players in the squad and we know whatever team they put out will be good.

"But we have no fear and we go there looking for the right performance and the right result.''

Pool skipper Ritchie Humphreys bagged his first goal of the season in the draw with Swansea and is looking forward to the test.

"They have a lot of quality players, a lot of internationals and they have had a hell of a start to the season,'' he said. "It's great to pit our wits against a Premiership club like we did last season.

"We pushed Palace all the way last year, so let's hope for the same again.''

Aftert facing Chelsea on Saturday, Curbishley is likely to ring the changes.

Ex-Newcastle winger Darren Ambrose should start, as well as Jonathan Spector, Matt Holland, Talal El Karkouri, Shaun Bartlett, Jonatan Johansson, Jay Bothroyd and ex-Sunderland keeper Thomas Myhre.

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