Addicks chief not ruling out defensive deal (From News Shopper)

Addicks chief not ruling out defensive deal

4:56pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in Charlton Athletic By Paul Green

CHRIS Powell has not completely ruled out strengthening his defence if he has to following Rhoys Wiggins’ recent injury.

Wiggins came off early in the recent Valley defeat to Crystal Palace and could be out for two months with a foot injury.

That led to speculation linking Charlton with a loan move for Fulham’s Matthew Briggs.

But with Chris Solly impressing on the left to accommodate Lawrie Wilson at right back, and Cedric Evina waiting patiently for his chance as well, getting in Briggs or another alternative doesn’t appear to be a pressing priority - even if Powell isn’t dismissing the idea just yet.

He said: “People saw Rhoys being out and thought that we would be linked with players in that area, which is natural.

“But at the moment Chris Solly has done such a sterling job and I’ve got young Cedric Evina now who comes into the equation.

“I just felt Chris, after what he done against Palace, I gave him another game there and Lawrie another game.

“Again they both produced at Ipswich. It’s not imminent now I have to bring in another left back but of course if something happens to one of them I may have to look in that area.

“It is a little bit up in the air at the moment.

“I’ve got enough bodies but of course injuries strike at any time.

“Sadly for us it was in training with Yann but we’ve lost Rhoys in a game, Matt Taylor prior to a game – good players that would obviously supplement the squad.

“At the moment it is a little bit tight for us but if I have to move then I will.”

Powell was also eager to praise Evina for his attitude despite finding first team opportunities hard to come by at The Valley since joining from Oldham in the summer of 2011.

The boss said: “He has been first class, he was our best player at Cardiff on Tuesday so it shows his professionalism.

“Of course he wants to have a chance but I’ve got decisions to make with regards to who comes in.

“I have spoken to him about it and he understood.

“It was a tough period for us, we lost three games and to put a young player in who hasn’t played, sometimes you’ve got to look at that.

“Would he be affected by it or not?

“Sometimes they’re not because they go in and play stress free but sometimes they can get affected by everything that is going on.

“I needed an experienced side against Ipswich because we needed a response and I got that.

“It is now up to me to balance it all up with do I carry on with the same team or make a few alterations, but Ceddy is ready, he has been on the bench and I’ve got every faith in him.”

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