Charlton striker Jayden Stockley set to feature in EFL Trophy against Aston Villa U21s

Jayden Stockley is set to play some part in Charlton’s EFL Trophy tie against Aston Villa U21s tomorrow after completing his three-match suspension.

The centre-forward and Burton defender Deji Oshilaja were sent off after tangling with each other at the Pirelli Stadium on November 13.

Charlton appealed Stockley’s dismissal but the ban was upheld.

“I’d say I’m probably leaning towards giving him some minutes [against Villa],” Addicks caretaker manager Johnnie Jackson told the South London Press. “It will be carefully managed, not to put him at risk with Friday in mind.

“I think it would benefit him. He has not played for three games and not really been training with the group because we were travelling a lot in the last week.

“We have missed him, no doubt about it. He is a mainstay of the team and has been a big part since I came in [as boss] in what we’re trying to do. I look at the Morecambe and Shrewsbury games and think he could’ve helped us. It is not just the attacking threat he brings, it’s also what he brings in our own penalty box when we’re defending corners and long throws. Those are situations which have cost us because he is also a key man in those situations.

“When he is not on the pitch we are definitely weaker in those situations.

“We’ve found ourselves a smaller team with Ryan Inniss, Sam Lavelle, Jason Pearce and Jayden not available. You are taking a lot of height out of the side, that makes us more susceptible in those situations.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS