Jason Pearce has welcomed the added competition at Charlton after Patrick Bauer and Harry Lennon returned from injury.

German defender Bauer played his first senior game for eight months at Walsall last weekend, while Lennon was named as a substitute against Bolton.

Both will be in a battle to remove Ezri Konsa from the starting XI, however, with the 18-year-old taking his opportunities this season with both hands.

Pearce, 28, who joined Charlton earlier in the summer, insists the competition ensures players must keep performing.

He told News Shopper: “It’s a good thing – it keeps you on your toes.

“You’ve got to keep performing at a high level to keep your place in the team.

“It’s not like they’re not good players, they’re very good players. Patrick is a very good player, Roger [Johnson] has played at the highest level and Harry is a good defender so it is tough.”

Pearce signed for the Addicks on August 4 and endured a difficult start at his new club after conceding a penalty in his first game at Bury.

However, the experienced defender, who has also had lengthy spells at Leeds United and Bournemouth, has since been a reassuring feature in the Charlton defence.

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German defender Patrick Bauer came on as a first-half substitute

When asked how he has settled following his move to SE7, Pearce said: “I’m loving it. As soon as the chance came I jumped at it.

“Being back down south with my family is great and I’m delighted to be here. I just want to give some good performances and hopefully the Charlton fans can see what I’m all about.

“I think I’ll keep on improving. I’ve been pleased with my performances so far but I want to improve – I’ve always been like that.”

The former Wigan captain was one of several new players to arrive at Charlton in a hectic summer for the relegated Addicks.

Slade’s side lost their first two games of the season but have since picked up eight points from a possible 12.

“The lads here are all pulling in the right direction,” Pearce added.

“It’s a new group of lads but we’re all getting on really well and I think we will keep on improving the more we play together and do stuff off the pitch.

“Hopefully the fans can see we’re giving everything for the cause.”

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