CHRIS Powell says he will not be rushing Dale Stephens back into the Charlton first team after his recent injury.

Stephens started every League One game until picking up an ankle injury in the 1-0 defeat at Stevenage on October 15.

He was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win at Hillsborough but didn’t make the bench for last weekend’s victory over Sheffield United, instead playing 65 minutes of Tuesday’s Kent Cup game at Margate.

When asked today how close the midfield ace was to getting back into his starting XI Powell said: “Like everyone else if he is fit, then he comes into contention - but I can only choose 16.

“I’m glad he has got some minutes under his belt, he needed that. I had him on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday but he has been out for a number of weeks and it is almost like a new signing.

“He has come back pain free and long may that continue for him.

“Dale is a creative player and a player I do like.

“I just want him to be right and ready so that when he is called upon, he does himself justice and adds to what we already have.”

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