Daniel Kanu on scoring his first Charlton Athletic goal and learning how to be more effective in final third

Daniel Kanu reckons he has “learned so much” about himself after netting his first senior goal for Charlton Athletic in their 3-2 defeat against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday evening.

The striker won possession before slotting past the keeper at the second attempt to put the Addicks ahead in Tuesday night’s EFL Trophy tie.

Kanu said: “I’ve learned so much about myself and about how I can impose my style on the game – how I can be effective.

“I was so pleased. I’ve been working so hard throughout the season to try and get that first goal. Now I’ve got the first goal, I know I can push on from here.

“I’ve been unlucky in recent weeks to not get a goal. I’ve been getting in the right areas, that’s the most important thing as well that I’m in the areas to do my damage then I believe in myself.

“The team around me believe in me as well, that I’ll finish. Ttoday I’m happy I was able to deliver for the team.

“The defender received the ball, I noticed he was a bit hesitant when he received it so I decided to apply pressure on him and try to turn back.

“I nicked it off him drove towards the goal, the initial shot got saved but I was very eager to get the rebound and thankfully I put it in this time. I’m really happy with the goal I scored today. Hopefully it’s the first of many for the club.

“It’s a great experience to play against professionals and play against players that play in the top leagues.

“I’ve learned a lot about that this season that I probably wouldn’t have learned last season. I’ll try and continue to learn and that’s what I want to do – continue to learn, get better and progress as a player.

“I’ve gained a lot more confidence to do what I want to do and to do what I love doing which is putting the ball in the back of the net.

“I’ve got closer and closer as the weeks have gone on, games have gone on and I’m glad I was finally able to put it in today.

“I know it’s very frustrating to lose the game and be out of the competition but as Karoy [Anderson] said, there’s positives to take out of the game especially for us as younger players.”

Karoy Anderson also got his first senior goal for the South London club after only being on the pitch for a matter of minutes.

Anderson said: “It’s unbelievable and I couldn’t really believe it. I was focused on trying to contribute to the game if I got on.

“I was warming up for a bit, luckily I got on and when I came on – I just can’t put it into words how I’m feeling right now – unfortunately we couldn’t get the win to go with it but personally it’s been a good day.

“There wasn’t that many instructions, it was just enjoy it, be myself and play how I normally play, a few tactical things but enjoy the moment.

“Just being around it, even in training sometimes and the times I was on the bench  but didn’t come on – it’s just a good environment to be around.

“As a kid I’ve been at the club for 10 years, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do – play for the first team. So being in this environment, getting an opportunity makes me want more.

“The whole philosophy of the club and the whole feeling around the club is that we definitely get a chance and seeing players that I’ve played with like Dan [Kanu] and Aaron [Henry], I’ve also played with Albie [Morgan].

“Seeing that type of stuff and seeing these players progress instills hope in me and gives me a chance – and gives me a chance and makes me feel I can have a chance.”

PICTURE: STAN KASALA/PLYMOUTH ARGYLE FC