I'M unfortunately penning the first instalment of my new weekly column from the training ground's treatment room.

Let me explain.

I'm undergoing treatment on an injury I suffered during our 4-2 defeat by Coventry eight days ago.

Ten minutes into the game, I felt something was wrong with my hamstring but was a bit too proud to give up.

I didn't want to come off because I felt that would be letting the team down and I ended up playing the entire match.

That lead to me missing Saturday's game at Leicester, which was a big blow.

I'd been a Championship ever-present up to the Walkers Stadium trip and wanted to play in every league game this year.

But it couldn't be avoided and sometimes it's best to rest rather than risk keep going until you collapse.

On a personal note, it has been hard going this season - especially having been away with Belgium a lot.

We had three games in six days before the Coventry match and I felt really tired.

Hopefully, I will come back better for the rest.

At this stage, I would say I'm 50/50 for Saturday's game against Charlton.

I cycled on Monday, did some running yesterday and I'll hopefully be back in training on Friday.

But, if I don't make it, we know we've got good back-up.

We had major injury and suspension problems at Leicester but still managed to bag a vital 2-1 win.

The boys who came in did extremely well and everyone has to be really pleased with that.

It was obviously a step into the unknown for some of the players drafted in.

Some had either not played for us in the league before or operated in the positions they were given.

For example, no-one knew Shelton Martis could play right-back.

But his performance alongside Luke Steele, Jared Hodgkiss and Pele was a massive lift for the team.

It was a great three points which put us back on track.

Sadly, I couldn't go to the game as I was sick with flu.

I also had to miss our Christmas party, which I was really looking forward to.

I really wanted to be part of the banter but ended up being in bed all weekend.

However, listening to the lads get the win at Leicester on the radio cheered me up and the illness is behind me now.

I was really pleased Beatts got the winner.

I had a laugh with him at the training ground and told him not to leave it so long again for his next goal!

He's got the qualities and everyone in the squad wants him to do well.

Sometimes you can't control things and he has been unlucky.

But he is working hard for the team and I'm sure he will grow in confidence and show what a good striker he can be.

This is the first week in a while we haven't had a midweek fixture and we'll be ready to go again on Saturday against one of the better squads in this league.

It looks like 'Super' Kev could play some part against Charlton after more than four weeks out with a knee injury.

That would be a massive bonus.

It's also nice to see all the other walking wounded back in training this week.

Charlton have got injury and suspension problems of their own but it will still be a tough challenge at The Hawthorns.

We'll go into the second-versus-third clash determined to put things right after losing at home last time out.

I blamed Jonno for the Sky Blues defeat - he jinxed us by shaving his beard off!

As you may have been aware, we both agreed not to get our razors out while our recent unbeaten run continued.

I was a bit gutted that he broke our pact. And look what happened!

He said his beard was too itchy.

I said I'd scratch it for him but he didn't like that idea!

I've shaved mine off now - and Mrs Hoefkens is happy I have.

At least no-one will be mixing me and Jonno up with Father Christmas!