Nigel Adkins asked about Charlton Athletic duo who have been absent from recent matchday squads

Nigel Adkins says that Albie Morgan and Matt Smith have still got a part to play for Charlton Athletic this season.

The young duo both featured this week for the club’s U23s.

Morgan, 21, has not been part of the matchday squad in the last two League One matches for the Addicks.

Arsenal loanee Smith, 20, has been omitted for the last four fixtures. His last start came in the 0-0 draw at Oxford on March 6.

Asked about the pair, Adkins said: “Everybody has got to be ready because your opportunity can come when you least expect it. Everyone is going to be needed. We’ve had Saturday-Saturday games so far but we’re now going to be in a situation where we go Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday through it.

“It’s challenging when you throw in the travel we have got to do midweek. And one injury at this moment in time could rule somebody out for the rest of the season. You’ve got to be mindful of the referees, a misplaced challenge and if you get a red card you’re out for three games. The squad of players becomes diminished and diminished.

“It was great for Albie and Matt to get a full 90 minutes in a game. It was great for me, I was there watching the U23s and specifically watching them to see what their attributes are and what they can bring to the team when required.

“Even though I’ve been here a month I still need to know even more about everybody.”