Charlton boss Russell Slade wants striker Tony Watt to rediscover his “mojo” while on loan at Hearts.
Watt, 22, sealed a season-long loan move to the Scottish club last week following a turbulent period in SE7.
The former Standard Liege and Celtic forward only made 15 appearances for the Addicks during the 2015/16 season and was sent out on two loan spells.
When asked by News Shopper whether he was resigned to losing Watt this summer, Slade said: “In the end, it was the best move for him.
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“With the injury he’s had and the moving about he’s had recently, it was the best move for Tony Watt to go and play some football there, to try and get his mojo back and to get back on track really.
“He’s playing for a club 25 minutes from his house and he needs to go up there and do very well.”
Watt’s absence offered Brandon Hanlan another opportunity in the pre-season draw at Leyton Orient on Saturday.
The young striker has enjoyed a productive pre-season schedule, scoring against National League side Bromley and also finding the back of the net on the trip to Austria.
Hanlan put in another lively performance against Orient and Slade insists he has been impressed by the academy graduate.
He said: “Brandon is very raw but his enthusiasm for the game is terrific. He will run all day and he’s got himself a couple of goals.
“He’s a great lad to work with and he can only improve – it’s about grasping his opportunity and to see whether he can move up a level.”
Defender Ezri Konsa, naturally a centre back, slotted in at right back for Charlton as cover for the injured Chris Solly.
Slade believes both Konsa and Hanlan have bright futures ahead of them.
“There were some good things there with Ezri,” said Slade, when asked about the versatile youngster.
“Positionally he needed a bit of help at times, but he was composed on the ball and he’s strong physically and strong in the air.
“I’ve been really pleased with him. He’s had a lot of football recently and so has Brandon.
“They are very young boys and I think they’ve got bright futures, I really do.”
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