Chris Gunter’s verdict on the battle for a starting spot – and why he was pleased to see Adam Matthews sign for Charlton Athletic

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton Athletic are blessed with two experienced options at right-back – and Chris Gunter has no issues being up against Adam Matthews for that position.

Gunter has played central defence due to a lack of options in that area in recent weeks.

But when the likes of Ryan Inniss, Akin Famewo and Jason Pearce are all fit and available he is likely to be in a battle with fellow Welsh international Matthews, who re-signed for the Addicks in late October, for a starting spot.

Asked about the former Sunderland and Celtic man’s return to SE7, Gunter said: “I’m pleased. I’ve known him for years and years through Wales.

“When you see good players joining it is always a good thing.

“You know over the course of a season – with how many games there are and those periods where the matches are so close together – that you’ll never have a full squad to pick from with injuries.

“It’s up to us in that position. We’ve pretty much got two players for every position in the squad.

“You’re never going to see the same 11 on the pitch every week because of the fixture schedule, so the more players you have to rotate or fill in is really good. You can never be disappointed when you see good players join the club.”

Gunter has previously played as part of a three-man central defence for his country.

“People prefer to play certain positions and certain styles but ultimately we’re paid to turn up and train as well as we can every day and, if and when selected, do your best for the team.

“If that means doing something different to what you’re used to, then that’s no problem.”