Ben Garner: Charlton midfielder’s lack of League One game time not down to contract appearances trigger

Charlton Athletic Ben Garner has rejected any suggestion that Jake Forster-Caskey’s lack of involvement in the league is down to it incurring extra appearance payments.

The midfielder has played 90 minutes in both of their EFL Trophy matches as well as starting both of their fixtures in the EFL Trophy.

But Forster-Caskey is yet to play in League One this season for the South Londoners.

“No, the only decision I make on the team is a football decision – what I think is right for the group or what I think is right for the club,” Garner told the South London Press when asked about Forster-Caskey. “I’m not that abreast on the contract situations, if I’m honest.

“I spoke to our secretary a few weeks ago and he said: ‘Do you want me to let you know if a player is three appearances away from a rise?’. I told him I didn’t want to know because I don’t want that to come into my thinking when I’m picking the team and selection. I want to just be picking it on merit – work on the training ground and performances on the pitch.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS