Charlton boss confirms one player guaranteed to start Saturday’s game against Gillingham

Lee Bowyer has confirmed that Charlton left-back Ben Purrington will retain his starting spot for Saturday’s home game against Gillingham.

The 24-year-old has been battling on-loan Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen for a place in the defence and has started two of the last three matches for the Addicks. He was an unused substitute in the 3-1 reverse to Portsmouth at The Valley.

Purrington has made three starts since the end of November and one of those – the home reverse to MK – was due to Maatsen serving a suspension. The young Dutchman has not been in the squad for the away fixture at MK or Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Rochdale.

Charlton can only name five loan players in their matchday squad and have six on their books.

Asked if Purrington’s form had given Bowyer a headache at left-back for the weekend, he replied: “Not really. Ben played well. There’s no headache for me there. Ben will play again.

“That’s what I want – competition in all positions and then when they get the opportunity I want them to grab it and do well. If they do well they keep their position, that’s the way football is.”