Karl Robinson refused to reveal whether Charlton striker Nicky Ajose has a future with the club.

Ajose, who was the Addicks’ marquee signing last year, joined Saturday’s opponents Bury on a season-long loan in July.

He failed to hold down a regular starting spot under Robinson last term, and spent the second half of the season with Swindon.

Ajose, 25, has netted once in five appearances for Bury and will be ineligible to play against his parent club on the weekend.

When asked whether the former Manchester United trainee is in his future plans, Charlton boss Robinson told News Shopper: “I’m not going to answer that.

“I know the answer, I’m just not going to say.”

Ajose featured in Charlton’s pre-season in Ireland this summer, giving signs that he might remain in SE7.

But Robinson reiterated it was Ajose’s decision to leave for Bury.

He said: “I told Nicky Ajose on the Friday before he left stage one of Ireland - I said to him ‘these two weeks you've been excellent, I’m looking for a number nine to compete with Josh [Magennis] to score goals, someone completely different to Josh’.

“He came back on the Monday and told me he wanted to go to Bury. It’s as simple as it is. That’s exactly what happened.”