Charlton Athletic striker prospects had HUGE combined total of 88 goals in the campaign just completed

Charlton Athletic scoring machines Patrick Casey and Micah Mbick ended their season tied on goals – 44 apiece – with both setting their sights on greater first-team involvement in the next League One campaign.

The Addicks’ U21 side lost 3-2 in extra time to Birmingham City on Saturday in the Professional Development League play-off final.

Mbick’s penalty took the contest into extra-time – Henry Rylah had netted earlier in the second half.

Casey scored twice in the 5-3 win over Barnsley at Charlton’s Sparrows Lane training ground on May 18 in the PDL semi-final.

Hackney-born Casey racked up 42 goals at all levels in his previous season – making it 86 in the space of a couple of years.

Asked about his numbers, the 18-year-old striker told the South London Press: “It’s crazy. The coach has helped me a lot on the training pitch, in terms of being in the position where the ball is most likely to fall – a fox in the box.

“I watch a lot of YouTube clips of Erling Haaland but I see myself more like a Harry Kane type, because I like to drop deep to receive the ball and also have shots from outside the box.

“I’d love half the career he has had! He is a good passer as well.”

Casey, who is eligible for Republic of Ireland and has been on training camps, trialled at West Ham before joining Charlton when he was eight.

Casey will be able to wear coloured boots from next season as he moves from being a scholar to a first-year professional. A three-year contract was signed in June 2023.

“Joe Francis (head of education) has helped me a lot for about two years, educating me more just about life and to know it is not all about football,” said Casey, on what the club’s academy has given to him.

“On the football side it is about respect and manners. I’m really grateful for that.”

Casey’s father is a roofer but the youngster has been focused on a future in sport.

“I’ve always loved boxing and football,” he said. “I never wanted a normal lifestyle. I always wanted to try and be somebody. I was into boxing when I was younger but then when football becomes serious – and you are in every day – it killed my time for that.”

Casey made his first-team debut as an 88th-minute substitute for Daniel Kanu in the 2-1 home loss to Oxford United on New Year’s Day.

“I was absolutely delighted,” he said. “It was a very proud moment for me and my family. If I keep working hard I’ll get my time, one day.

“My aspirations are just to keep progressing in the U21s and try to retain what I’ve been doing. I want to get my face in the first-team building as often as I can.”

Both Casey and Mbick claim that there was no rivalry between them in terms of trying to finish top of the scoring charts.

Mbick, 17, took just three minutes to net on his senior bow after coming on as a late substitute – wrapping up the scoring in a 6-1 FA Cup replay win at Cray Valley PM in November.

Four more cameos were to follow, the most recent a 1-1 draw against Barnsley in League One at Oakwell in December – the same month he signed a professional contract.

Mbick was released by West Ham and played for East Ham Rovers before Charlton signed him at U10 level.

The prospect is eligible to play for England, France and Cameroon.

Asked about his strengths, Mbick said: “I can hold the ball up. I don’t mind being a target and I also like running in behind and scoring goals in the box.”

Former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba was his idol growing up.

“We have a similar playing style and so he is one I look up to – along with (Serhou) Guirassy at Stuttgart,” said Mbick. “My progression at Charlton has been good. There have been a lot of changes at first-team level, so going back to the academy it is about developing day by day – being patient.

“The first plan now is a bit of rest – it’s been a long season – and then hit the ground running in pre-season. I need to make sure I’m fit and ready, then seeing where that goes.”

This is Mbick’s first season which has been injury-free after a couple of ones that were disrupted.

He puts that down as a factor as to why he has been so prolific, but also credits his team-mates.

“I’ve been working every day, after training, doing finishing,” said Mbick. “And the team help a lot – we are a really creative side and we create a lot of chances. It’s always going to lead to goals.

“It never gets boring (the sensation of scoring). It’s like doing a job. Some goals are more important than others, but they all count.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD