CHRIS Powell has hailed today’s capture of striker Paul Hayes as a “real coup” for Charlton Athletic.

The Addicks saw off late interest from Hayes’ former club Scunthorpe, as well as Doncaster Rovers from the Championship, to get Hayes on a two-year deal and Powell believes the new arrival can bring the best out of fellow forwards Bradley Wright-Phillips and Paul Benson.

Powell said: “I’m really happy to get Paul on board, it’s a real coup for us.

“I think he will add to the strikers we have already got and it was great to see how much he wanted to come to the club."

“Paul did very well for Scunthorpe and has played in teams that have been promoted from League One.

"He has always struck up good relationships with strikers like Gary Hooper and Martin Paterson, and he will come here and supplement the goal threat we already have in people like Bradley Wright-Phillips and Paul Benson.”

The manager added: “I really think Paul will be a good signing for us. He's a clever player who will keep the opposition guessing as he will drop deep and join in.

“He scores goals himself so we will be looking to get the right supply to him and the other frontmen. That's one thing we will be looking for this season, to create chances and I want my strikers to finish them.

“Just like Cedric Evina, he comes with a decent pedigree and lots of experience which will help a lot of the other players we have in the squad.

“I want him to strike up a rapport with Paul (Benson) and Brad and we look forward to working with him when the players report back.”

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