Charlton Athletic supersub Aneke backing summer striker signing to hit goal trail

Chuks Aneke is backing Gassan Ahadme to open his Charlton Athletic goal account soon.

Ahadme signed for the Addicks in the summer from Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old  has started all five of their League One matches this season. Ahadme, who impressed on loan at Cambridge United last season, lashed over a close-range chance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Rotherham United.

Aneke, who came off the bench to whip in an excellent equaliser at The Valley for his first goal of the campaign, has been quick to discuss the big shifts Ahadme is putting in leading the line for Nathan Jones’ team.

“He works extremely hard,” Aneke told the South London Press. “He’s strong and a bit of a focal point for the team. He’s doing it really well. The goals will come. I’ve been in that position myself and they do come.

“We’ve only played five games and it is a long, long season – he can end up scoring 10 or 15 goals. Then people will be saying something different.

“All you can do as football players is keep working hard and play to your strengths.”

Jones has a number of options up front and has tended to replace his starting front two in the second half of matches.

Asked about an abundance of options up front that can freshen it, Aneke said: “One hundred per cent. I’ve come on the pitch with DK (Daniel Kanu), TC (Tyreece Campbell) and Godders (Matty Godden).

“Gass has been on the pitch and Miles (Leaburn) is coming back – we’ve got quite a few options and it is exciting.

“If we don’t perform then you are not going to come on.”

Leaburn is in full training and looks set to add even further to Charlton’s firepower.

The youngster had attracted Premier League interest before suffering a major hamstring injury that required surgery last season.

“I’ve seen Miles over the last couple of years develop and he’s been unlucky with injuries because he has been really, really good when he has played,” said Aneke.

“Fingers are crossed for him that he can come back and stay fit and show the world how good he is – because I see it in training. He is a very good player.

“I’m excited to see what he goes on to achieve in his career. He has huge potential.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS