Miles Leaburn happy to be off the mark in League One – as Charlton striker talks about ‘tough’ start to campaign
Miles Leaburn reckons he still has more fitness gains to make despite the Charlton striker scoring his first League One goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers.
The 19-year-old forward played on the right wing against the Chairboys and showed composure to clinically fire Michael Appleton’s side ahead at The Valley.
Leaburn bagged 13 goals in 40 appearances last season in his breakthrough campaign.
But the former Chelsea youngster did not make a first-team appearance until September of this season after a nasty challenge in the opening pre-season friendly at Welling caused ankle damage.
“It’s always a good feeling to score at The Valley or anywhere,” said Leaburn. “It has been a tough start, with my injury and missing pre-season. I’ve had to get back to fitness. I’ve still got more to get back – once I get that I will be in a lot better place.
“Seeing the lads out playing is hard (when on the sidelines). But once I get my minutes up and the goals start coming it feels great.”
Leaburn has played centrally for Charlton but was tasked with a wider role at the weekend, top-scorer Alfie May deployed down the middle.
“It’s about what the manager asks,” said Leaburn. “If he wants me out wide I’ve got to do that – get on the end of crosses from Corey (Blackett-Taylor) and putting in crosses myself.
“You’ve got to track back as a winger. It’s different for me. I tracked back quite well today. I can’t just leave James (Abankwah) by himself – it’s not good team play. The more minutes I play I will find it easier.”
New head coach Appleton has taken four points from two matches and Charlton head to Shrewsbury this weekend.
“He has come in and he has made his goals clear – what he wants,” said Leaburn. “He wants us to be solid at the back, making sure we are running in behind, defending balls in behind and set-pieces.
“He has told us what he wants and we’re doing our best to deliver.”
MAIN PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS