Charlton boss sets defender – who wants to extend stay at Valley – a challenge

Ryan Inniss has been challenged to show he is a vital cog in Charlton Athletic’s side.

The 26-year-old centre-back has missed lengthy spells due to groin and thigh injuries since signing from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2020.

Inniss revealed this week that he wants to stay with the Addicks. His contract is up at the end of July but the League One club have an option to extend by a further 12 months.

“I love his attitude and the work ethic he has got,” said Charlton manager Johnnie Jackson.

“He is brilliant around the place, we love him here.

“He has got an important couple of months coming up at the end of the season. He has got himself fit, now he has got to get himself in the team and then stay there.

“It’s not just Ryan – every player has to prove to me they want the shirt.

“With Ryan I have to factor in that he has been out for a little while as well. That is down to me to manage.

“Every time he gets an opportunity he needs to prove to us all that we need him around. I’ve got no doubts that he can do that.”

Inniss made a crunching but perfectly-timed tackle to halt Kenny McLean’s surge in Sunday’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Norwich City.

“We were all a little bit worried when he made that tackle that he was going to come out of it worse for wear,” admitted Jackson. “It was a great challenge. He has got a history of picking up little niggles if we do too much too soon. He’s going well and we have rehabbed him great.

“The challenge will be keeping him available for the rest of the season. We have to be really sensible and liase with the medical and sports science.”

Sam Lavelle played 45 minutes for the Addicks’ U23 side in their 3-2 win at Millwall on Monday. The 25-year-old has been out since undergoing groin surgery in late October.

“I’d like him to get an hour and then 90 minutes under his belt before I bring him back in,” said Jackson.

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS