Michael Appleton explains how he decided between Karoy Anderson and ‘out of form’ Louie Watson for start at Bristol Rovers

Michael Appleton has explained why he decided to start Karoy Anderson during Charlton’s 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers on Friday evening.

Midfielder Scott Fraser missed the trip to the Memorial Stadium which left the Addicks head coach with a choice between Anderson and Luton Town loanee Louie Watson in the middle of the park.

Jamaican international Anderson, 19, was given the nod – making his first League One start since Appleton’s opening game as Charlton boss at Stevenage in September.

The Addicks are unbeaten in games in which Watson, 22, has started in League One – the last of which came during the 2-2 draw at Portsmouth. But the former Derby County man has started in recent cup defeats at Gillingham and Reading.

“[Anderson] deserved it,” said Appleton when asked how he chose between the two.

“The way he’s trained and the attitude he’s showed in training over the last three or four weeks, he definitely deserved his opportunity.

“Louie has gone through a tough period. His form hasn’t been good. He’s struggled to make an impact off the bench. When he started a couple of cup games he was poor. These things do happen with young players. You’ve got to allow him to come through that.

“If his performance levels improve in training and in the bits that he comes on the pitch then he might get a start.”

Fraser wasn’t risked at the Memorial Ground but might be in contention for the New Year’s Day clash with Appleton’s former side Oxford at The Valley.

Appleton added: “[Fraser has] got half a chance. He’s got a bit of a calf issue. We have to be careful with that because that was the big issue that kept him out for quite a bit early in the season.

“He would have been a massive risk of getting proper re-injured if he played tonight.”

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