Michael Appleton provided an explanation for his choice to start Karoy Anderson following Charlton’s 2-1 loss to Bristol Rovers on Friday night.
The Addicks head coach had to decide between Anderson and Louie Watson, a loanee from Luton Town, in the middle of the park after midfielder Scott Fraser was unable to make the journey to Memorial Stadium.
The 19-year-old Jamaican international Anderson was selected, starting for the first time in League One since Appleton’s debut game in charge of Charlton versus Stevenage in September.
Since Watson, 22, took the field for the Addicks in League One, the team has gone undefeated; the most recent loss was during the 2-2 draw at Portsmouth. Nonetheless, the former Derby County player has started the last two cup losses at Gillingham and Reading.
Appleton responded, “[Anderson] deserved it,” when questioned about how he made his decision.
“Given his training style and demeanor over the past three or four weeks, he most certainly earned his chance.
Louie has experienced a difficult time. He hasn’t been in great form. His ability to contribute off the bench has been lacking. He performed poorly when he began a few cup games. Young players do experience these things. You have to give him the opportunity to get past that.
“He might receive a start if his performance levels both in training and during his on-field time increase.”
Fraser was not risked at the Memorial Ground, but he could be considered for the New Year’s Day match at The Valley against Appleton’s previous team, Oxford.
“[Fraser has] got half a chance,” Appleton continued. He has a minor calf problem. That was the major problem that held him out for a considerable amount of the season early on, so we need to exercise caution with that.
“If he had played tonight, there would have been a significant risk of him getting properly re-injured.”
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