Anfernee Dijksteel’s road to the Charlton first team hasn’t been easy.
But now at 22 and scoring his first goal in Addicks colours, the defender feels like he’s a fully-fledged member of Lee Bowyer’s plans.
Dijksteel and Chris Solly have been alternating at right back this season, but with the club captain set to miss the next three games through suspension the Nike Academy graduate put a marker down on Easter Monday after opening the scoring in Charlton’s 4-0 win over Scunthorpe.
“Even I was surprised when it went in, I didn’t know what to do with the celebration!” said Dijskteel.
“Lee Bowyer helped me a lot, especially my end product, as it’s not always the best.
“I feel comfortable at right back now.
“I’ll just keep trying to do the right things in training and keep doing extras.
“I just have to work hard.”
READ:Charlton's Bowyer praise for Dijksteel after 4-0 Scunthorpe win
Despite the competition for the right back berth with Solly, Dijksteel admits it’s a healthy duel and that he’s learning from the 28-year-old.
“It really helps me.
“We are good with each other, we keep each other sharp and its good for the both of us.”
Charlton’s thumping victory over Scunthorpe thanks to goals from Dijksteel, Joe Aribo, Igor Vetokele and Lyle Taylor extended their home run to 16 games unbeaten, a good omen for the side as they confidently look ahead to the play-offs.
“Teams should be fearing us every time we play at home,” said the Dutchman.
“We need to keep our heads and work hard.
“We were trying to get top two, but we’ll just focus on ourselves now and try and win every game and see where we finish.
“If we do all things correctly we’ll get promoted, it’s about us and not about them.”
Charlton travel to Gillingham on Saturday.
READ: Charlton's Chris Solly's Oxford red card appeal turned down
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