Charlton Athletic striker Miles Leaburn agrees professional contract

Charlton Athletic manager Ben Garner has revealed that teenage striker Miles Leaburn has agreed his first professional contract.

The young attacker scored twice in today’s 6-1 friendly win over Dartford at Princes Park.

Leaburn, whose dad Carl also played for the Addicks as well as Wimbledon, operated on the right wing. Only some heroic goal-line defending prevented the prospect from getting a hat-trick.

“He’s signed his deal this week, or is close to doing so,” said Garner. “A really good week for him – lovely to see him get those goals.

“He’s really grown over the last couple of weeks – not physically, he’s big enough! He’s grown in confidence and belief in what he’s doing. He’s got a really bright future ahead of him.

“Every young player at this club has got a chance [of playing in the first team]. If they are good enough and they have the right attitude they will get opportunities. He’s done very well so far – he’s still got a lot to learn and a lot to improve. But I’m excited about the potential he has got.

“You can see he has gone through a growth spurt and come out the other side of that now. He’s starting to fill into his body and be more confident in his movement. His physical data is very good – day in and day out – he’s got a great physical profile. He scores goals. He’s scored a lovely one with his left today, an instinctive one with a knockdown.

“He’s got so much potential and we’ve got to try and get that from him and make him the best possible player we can.”

Charlton have made five signings in the transfer window.

Asked if he would be aiming to bring in another forward before the deadline, Garner replied: “We’re looking at all areas of the squad.

“We want to get as competitive as possible but we’re also being aware of what we’ve got in the building. We have got some promising academy players. We’re looking at all avenues to get the best possible squad together.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD