CHRIS Powell has admitted Charlton never really came close enough to signing Dany N’Guessan from Millwall during the last transfer window.

N’Guessan spent the latter stages of last season on loan at The Valley and weighed in with some crucial goals as the Addicks went on to wrap up the League One title.

Powell remains a big admirer of a player he knows well from his time as a coach at Leicester and made no secret of the fact he would have liked to have done a deal to bring him back to SE7 for a second time.

The attacker is now back in the fold at The Den and has been making some recent eye-catching and game-changing cameos from the bench for Kenny Jackett’s high-flying side.

And Powell had a hunch N’Guessan still featured in Jackett’s long-term thinking despite the player appearing surplus to requirements at the time, meaning a switch to Charlton was always unlikely.

The Valley chief recalls of this summer’s speculation: “There was a lot of talk and not much else really.

“Of course Dany was part of our run in to the League One championship last year and he made a terrific impact for us, either starting or on the bench.

“He made a real impression on all the players and the supporters because he joined in straight away with what we were trying to do.

“Of course he went back to Millwall and it looked as if he wasn’t going to be part of their plans but I always knew that Kenny likes Dany.

“He lent him out last year to get some games with us and get some minutes but I think he (Jackett) always felt he (N’Guessan) had a part to play for them.”

Powell added: “It wasn’t really something that was definitely going to happen, it was more was it possible or is it likely?

“It wasn’t anything like all we had to do was dot the i’s and cross the t’s, it was basically us looking at the situation and Millwall summing it up.

“Kenny is right, he is now involved with them and he is their player so we’ve got to move on.

“We have done and have bought in other players, but it will be good to see him.

“Obviously let’s hope he isn’t too happy after the game!”

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