Michael Appleton reveals which Charlton player was “unfortunate” not to start against Stevenage after impressive training week

Michael Appleton has revealed that Terry Taylor impressed him in training this week and was “a little bit unfortunate” not to start Charlton’s 1-1 draw at Stevenage today.

The new Addicks head coach made two changes – both enforced – to the team which won 2-1 against Fleetwood before the international break.

Appleton was apppointed to his position after that success over the Cod Army.

Miles Leaburn replaced Alfie May, who was ruled out due to concession.

James Abankwah started at right-back with Nathan Asiimwe sidelined with a quad problem.

Taylor, a summer signing from Burton Albion, came on in the second half against Stevenage but had to be subbed off for Lucas Ness.

“It was a concussion one,” said Appleton. “He had a whack to the face and there was a bit of claret that meant he needed cleaning up a little bit. I don’t know the full extent, I’ll find out more when I get back in the changing room. That’s a couple this week.

“Terry is one who has trained really well and probably found himself a little bit unfortunate not to start today.”

Appleton has been with Charlton for eight days. Asked how much he relied on his own judgement over team selection – with interim boss Jason Pearce staying on his coaching staff for this weekend before dropping back into the academy – he said: “It’s a little bit of both. I’m mindful that we picked up a decent result against Fleetwood in the last league game, albeit it was a couple of weeks ago. You’ve got half an eye on that, and players who did well in that game and who might deserve an opportunity to come here and play.

“Having five or six training sessions, clearly people are going to impress. Some people I am going to ask question marks. Can they do a little more.

“Within 10 minutes I knew what I did wrong, what I can and will do better on my decision-making.”

Academy product Asiimwe is unlikely to be back for next weekend’s League One match against Wycombe.

“He picked it up (the injury) just before I came into the building,” said Appleton. “Once they’ve had a little more of a look at it, it was slightly worse than just a strain. I don’t think it is that serious that it keeps him out too long, maybe an extra 10 days or two weeks.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS