International milestone for Charlton Athletic midfielder

BY LARRY HENRY JR

Charlton Athletic midfielder Karoy Anderson earned his first international start last week following a breakout first season at SE7.

Anderson featured in both of Jamaica’s opening matches of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, helping the Reggae Boyz earn back-to-back victories.

The 19-year-old came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Jamaica’s 1-0 win over the Dominican Republic before earning his first international start just three days later.

Anderson has been capped six times.

“It was a great experience, especially to come on as a substitute in the second half,” Anderson told The Gleaner. “The crowd was really excited, so it was enjoyable and the fact that we won was good, so it’s now on to the next game to get another win.

The young midfielder played 89 minutes on June 9 as Jamaica held on for a 3-2 triumph over Dominica. It marked Jamaica’s third-straight win in all competitions and their fourth out of six matches overall in 2024.

Anderson graduated from Charlton’s academy before making his club debut in 2022. After spending time on loan at Aldershot Town during the 2022-23 campaign, Anderson played a key role for the Addicks last season as the club finished 16th in League One.

Anderson scored two goals and added four assists in 28 combined appearances (2,138 minutes played), featuring in four different competitions. The Lewisham-born midfielder will be a key returnee for Charlton this season as Nathan Jones’ squad fights to be part of the promotion picture.

First he will remain with Jamaica for the start of the Reggae Boyz’s Copa America schedule on June 22. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad faces Mexico before taking on South American sides Ecuador (June 26) and Venezuela (June 30).

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS