Goals and assists the key for Albie Morgan as he heads into a pivotal season at Charlton Athletic

Albie Morgan is desperate to add goals and assists to his game to boost his prospects of being a regular in Charlton Athletic’s midfield.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and has made 100 appearances for the South London club.

Morgan joined the Addicks at the age of nine and is the longest-serving player in the senior set-up.

Now he is aiming to surpass the 33  matches he played in the 2020-21 season, the most he has been involved since his debut at home to Shrewsbury Town in August 2018.

“I started the last five [games last season] and I think I’ve been very much in and out of the team since I played my first ever game for Charlton,” said Morgan, speaking after Tuesday night’s 4-2 friendly win at Colchester United.

“I can look back and think I had some good games here and there but I want that consistency and to be racking up 30 or 40 games.

“It’s been a good start to pre-season for me. Hopefully I can make it [the season] a good one.”

Charlton have plenty of options  in the middle of the park, so much so that manager Ben Garner is receptive to offers for Jake Forster-Caskey.

There is interest in the former England U21 international, who has been an impressive performer for the Addicks but has suffered the setback of two ACL knee injuries.

If Forster-Caskey leaves it could open the door for another player to be signed in that area. And Garner has yet to be able to use new signing Conor McGrandles, whose integration has been slowed by the knee injury the Scot sustained at the end of the previous campaign while still on Lincoln’s books.

Morgan produced an emphatic finish against the U’s in midweek after being played through on goal by Miles Leaburn.

Leaburn, 18, is the son of former Charlton and Wimbledon striker Carl. He also plays up front and was  on Chelsea’s books for 10 years before he joined the Addicks in 2020. His mum Tracey is head of first-team care at the club.

Charlton confirmed earlier this week that Leaburn had signed a three-year professional contract.

The Mottingham-raised forward added to his two goals in Saturday’s 6-1 win at Dartford by also cooly finishing a chance at Colchester.

“It was a great ball by Miles for me and it was just a hit and hope,” said Morgan.

“I’m grateful for the assist and there was another goal for the big man, I bet he is buzzing as well.

“Everyone knows I have got to add the goals. It’s good having good games and playing well but I want to be adding to stats – goals and assists.

“I want to get my numbers up, it is something I’ve been trying to work on ever since I became a professional player.”

Garner is determined Charlton will dominate possession. And Morgan says that “buying into” the vision of the new Addicks boss is crucial if you want to feature.

“The gaffer’s philosophy is important,” he said. “If you’re willing to listen and learn, then put that into games, I’m pretty sure you have got a good chance of playing.

“There’s been a lot of information [from Garner] but good information – information that everyone has really bought into. You can see the difference on the pitch – the way we’re playing and set up.”

Charlton’s preparations have suffered a slight setback with Mandela Egbo due to miss the start of the new campaign.

The former Crystal Palace right-back, signed on a free transfer from Swindon this summer, has suffered medial knee ligament damage which is expected to keep him out for around six weeks.

Egbo did the damage in Saturday’s comfortable stroll against the Darts.

Charlton head to Sutton United tomorrow before a final tune-up against Swansea at The Valley on July 23.

MAIN PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS