Russell Slade was “delighted” for Nicky Ajose after the striker’s first goals for the club helped Charlton win 2-1 at Walsall.

The summer signing from Swindon opened his Addicks account with a brace to leave the Midlands with three points.

Ajose has been tipped by punters as the man to score the goals to lead Charlton back to the Championship.

And after a frustrating start, his manager could not be happier for him.

Slade said: “I’m delighted for him - he’s got his two goals and he’s up and running. He won’t care how they’ve gone in.

“He scored two today, he could've had five or six already this season. He’s been frustrated with himself. So we’re pleased he's got a couple of goals today.

“He’s a predator in that six-yard box. If a defender misses the ball then you can be sure Nicky Ajose will be there to tap it in. That’s how he plays and gets his goals.”

Ajose’s first strike came just before half-time when Ricky Holmes’ cross was nodded on by Josh Magennis, and the former Leeds man was in the right place to divert the ball into the net.

It was a goal that he richly deserved after seeing his audacious chip hit the crossbar earlier.

Walsall got themselves level in the 72nd minute when Kieron Morris’ shot from outside the box trickled over Declan Rudd, who may feel he could have done better.

However, only two minutes later, Magennis powered his way into the box to unselfishly square the ball to Ajose to tap in the winner.

Rudd pulled off a spectacular double save at 0-0 and the keeper, on-loan from Norwich, tipped Simeon Jackson’s second-half injury-time strike onto the bar.

Slade remained adamant that the stopper is very important for Charlton’s season.

He added: “He’s a very, very good keeper, and we’re fortunate we’ve got him.

“He’s a very important part of the team and to what we can possibly achieve. No one knows what that’s going to be but Declan gives you a chance.”

Returning defender Patrick Bauer made his first league appearance of the year for Charlton after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Slade said it was “great” to see the German defender back in action.

“I put him on and went 4-1-4-1 to try and see the game out,” the Charlton boss said.

“I thought Patrick would be fine enough in there for the last seven minutes.

“It’s great to see him back. It might give him a little bit of a buzz to get on the pitch and be back on a winning team again.”