Charlton Athletic boss confirms his goalkeeper starting decision for Barnsley – and hopes Joe Wollacott faces Brazil tonight

Ben Garner has confirmed that Craig MacGillivray will start his first Charlton Athletic match of the season at Barnsley tomorrow.

The former Portsmouth keeper has played back-up to Joe Wollacott this season.

But Wollacott is away on international duty with Ghana, who are due to face Brazil in France tonight.

And Garner has praised MacGillivray for his conduct.

“He’s a fantastic professional – his work ethic and his dedication in training, each and every day since I’ve come to the club, has been absolutely first class,” said the Addicks boss. “He’s chomping at the bit to play.

“We’ve got real competition in that goalkeeping department. We’ve got Nathan Harness as well who is pushing Craig and Jojo, Nath has been outstanding in training. In some of the practises and drills he is frustrating players with some of the saves that he can make.”

Dundee United and Dundee were both mulling over a deal for MacGillivray towards the end of the window.

But Garner – when asked if he was close to going – said: “Not that I know of. I imagine there would’ve been interest in a player of his pedigree and experience. Nothing came across my desk in terms of an opportunity for him to go.

“I’m really pleased that he is here and we’ve got such strength in that department. We want that competition right through the team. It’s one area of the pitch that we’re really strong.”

Wollacott was one of the first additions made by Charlton following Garner’s appointment.

The stopper was available on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract at Swindon Town.

“He’s had phenomenal experiences in the last 12-15 months now,” said Garner, who was also Wollacott’s boss at his previous club. “From a goalkeeper who hadn’t even had a full season, to then become Ghana’s number one and to have the experiences of AFCON and qualifiers, to be looking ahead to a World Cup.

“It’s another wonderful experience to come tonight. We hope he plays and wish him and his team all the best before welcoming him back in full health next week.

“It was a no-brainer [to sign him] – a goalkeeper of his quality, age and potential who was available on a free transfer. It was just a very simple piece of business for me.

“He’s come in and done exceptionally well. He’s probably had one mistake against Forest Green, that I know he’ll be very frustrated with. But it was a fantastic response at Fleetwood last week – he could do nothing with the goal and, other than that, he was excellent.

“He’s a really good asset for the football club.”

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS