Karel Fraeye believes former West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te can make a substantial contribution to Charlton after signing for the club last week.

The 29-year-old, who made 51 league appearances for the Hammers between 2012 and 2015, joined the Addicks last week on a free transfer until the end of the season.

The Portuguese forward has also experienced English football with Bolton, Barsnley and Hull.

“He can bring something we need, he can keep the ball, he’s got good pace, he’s quite tall and can make our final third heavier,” Fraeye said.

“I hope he starts up well for us and a good start is important for him and the whole team.

“First thing we need to get him match fit, if we manage that we are quite sure his qualities will follow.

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“He’s more fit than most people think, he hasn’t been on the sofa for the last few months, he worked hard.”

When asked whether it was a gamble signing Vaz Te, who has a history of  injury problems, Fraeye added: “If Ricardo was 35 it would be a gamble but he’s 29 and he passed his medical very well.

“What we saw in training last week confirmed the image of the profile we had for Ricardo.”

Charlton’s caretaker boss also confirmed that he had an influence over Vaz Te’s signing.

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“Yes [it was my choice], in a lot of Championships clubs if you bring a signing in he will be a player who has been on several club’s lists.

“But I’m quite happy with the choice we made.”

Reports last week claimed the Addicks were lining up a loan move for former Addicks striker Yann Kermorgant.

Fraeye, 38, admitted his interest but said that Bournemouth were unwilling to let him leave due to a lack of reinforcements.

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He said: “Bournemouth is not willing to let him go and they have that right because they don’t have 10 strikers at this moment.

“He’s a very good striker, we all know that and we could use him very well but Bournemouth is the owner and I think they will use him. They need him.”

Fraeye, who was appointed interim head coach on October 25 following the dismissal of Guy Luzon, provided an update on Harry Lennon and Callum Harriot, who have both been loaned out from the Valley.

“I think I will need to speak to both of them very soon but if a player goes out on loan it’s not to get them out it’s to make them better,” the Belgian said.

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“The reports are good, I think Callum is improving and Harry is getting good experience.

“But if we bring them back to be on the bench it would not be good for their development so if you bring them back it must be that we have a plan for them.

“Both players have a lot of qualities.”

After recording an invaluable 3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday before the international break, the Addicks will be hoping for similar success on their trip to Birmingham this Saturday.

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