ROB Elliot still has a future at Charlton, according to manager Chris Powell.

After reports the keeper’s contract negotiations had hit a snag, Powell then moved last week to bring in fellow stopper Ben Hamer from Reading.

When Hamer was handed Elliot's number one jersey, it appeared the writing was on the wall for the academy graduate, but it was Elliot who kicked off Charlton’s League One campaign in goal on Saturday.

And after the 3-0 win against Bournemouth, Powell admitted while Hamer’s signing was a direct result of contract talks with Elliot stalling, he would rather have both of them, plus John Sullivan, at The Valley.

He explained: “I brought Ben in because I was worried I could lose Rob and I didn’t want to leave myself with one senior keeper and now I’ve got three.

“I’d be very happy if Rob stayed. I think he’s a good keeper and he proved that today with a couple of vital saves and some good catches.

“He’s in on merit and I said to every player in the squad that if you play and you do well, you stay.

“I think people have always had a look at Rob.

“We've had no firm bids, but obviously if we do get one then we look at it on its merits.

“At the moment, Rob has played his part in a good victory and we will have to wait and see what happens.

"We have five goalkeepers but two are going to be out on loan to non-league clubs, as they’re nowhere near ready for league football, so I’ve got three very good keepers now.”

Despite his strong performance at the weekend, Elliot could be one of a handful of players rested for the Carling Cup clash with Reading on Tuesday evening.

However, Powell has reservations about completely switching out the starting XI as he looks to keep the side’s momentum flowing into the first round tie with the Royals.

He said: “I'll make sure we have a bit of a roll call ahead of the Reading game.

“Rhoys Wiggins might be called up, he’s on standby for Wales.

“We might have one or two players with aches and pains, but I want us to do well midweek.

“There’s no harm in trying to have a good cup run.

“It will be a good test for us against a difficult team who were close to the Premier League only a few months back.

“But I was really happy with us today and I’d like us to carry on come Tuesday with the impetus we have now and get a result against a team in a higher league.

“I’m sure I'll make one or two changes but I won’t really want to go wholesale.

“You want to keep team momentum going as much as you can.”

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