Jose Riga insists Diego Poyet remains a key member of his squad despite his limited appearances for Charlton in recent weeks.

The West Ham midfielder’s last start for the club was more than a month ago – during the thrashing at Hull.

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Since then the 20-year-old has only made one appearance, coming on as a late substitute against Cardiff last weekend.

Riga, who worked with Poyet during his first spell at the Valley, says the loanee remains a key figure in his plans but is waiting for the right time to utilise him.

The 58-year-old said: “You know the story with Diego – if there is one manager who knows about what a good player he is, it’s me.

“I just try to find the right moment for when he needs to be part of the game.

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“Sometimes we need more possession – and at those times he can be very, very useful.

“At this moment that’s perhaps not the situation. But it doesn’t mean that he’s not part of my plans, not at all. He’s still very much in my plans.”

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