Michael Appleton’s has three requirements for Charlton goal machine Alfie May – as striker looks to outscore Manchester City’s Erling Haaland

Michael Appleton is not setting any goal target for Alfie May to reach before the end of 2023 – with the striker on 15 for Charlton Athletic since his summer move from Cheltenham.

The 30-year-old has got nine more games before January 1, barring injury or suspension, to add to his tally.

And May has scored 27 league goals in 2023 with only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (28) on more in England’s top four divisions.

May has five more than Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.

“He’s not daft and he’s aware of that,” said head coach Appleton when asked about May’s goal tally compared to the Norwegian scoring machine.

“People have been telling him for a while now. He needs to make sure he stays fit, stays healthy and is playing every week – that gives him a great chance of getting close to the great big man.

“I’m not setting him (May) any targets. I’m sure he has set some of his own little targets. I just want him to stay fit – try and get the goals as best he can.

“He’s also got a decent assist rate as well.

“We want to make sure he stays in a positive mindset because when he is, we’ve all seen how deadly he is.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD