CHARLTON manager Chris Powell says having strength in depth over the festive period was a key factor in his decision to sign Emmanuel Frimpong on loan from Arsenal.

Frimpong is set to stay at The Valley until January 1, a spell which will see the 20-year-old available for nine Championship fixtures.

And it was the high amount of games in a relatively short period of time which prompted Powell to make a move for a midfielder he has long admired earlier this week.

The Valley chief said: “He is a player we’ve kept an eye on for a while.

“I’ve always felt the midfield area, especially with Danny Hollands going out, I just wanted to make sure we weren’t short in that area.

“He is a good player who went out on loan last year to Wolves. Apparently he was very, very good until injury struck.

“We’ve monitored him this year, watched him in a few games and just felt it was right for him to come in and make sure, especially over the Christmas period, we are fully stocked.”

But Powell added it was far too early to suggest the player may end up extending his initial loan at this stage.

The boss added: “Arsenal will have a look at how it has gone for him and obviously I’ve got to as well because he has got to come in and obviously prove his worth, so we will see how it goes.

“It is a long time away and a lot of football to be played and we will see how it goes for him because obviously his long-term future I would say is at Arsenal.

“He will be seeing this as another sort of stepping stone in his quest to move forward with his career.

“If we can help out and he helps us, obviously that is why you have loans.

“We will see where it leads with regards to him and also with regards to us as well.”

Powell also refused to be drawn on whether Frimpong could be set to make his debut in Saturday’s home meeting with Huddersfield.

“Possibly,” the Charlton manager replied.

“We are getting a few bodies in now, a few players who have been injured are now back in the group, which is great for me because it can be very up and down.

“Prior to Cardiff we had 14 fit players and that is why one or two of the youngsters came in.

“The stronger we are as a group the better for us so we will see.

“I’ve got some decisions to make with regards to the team and the 18 but that is what I’m paid to do.”

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