Sam Lavelle takes a step closer to Charlton Athletic return

Sam Lavelle has moved a step closer to being back in first-team contention after playing the opening 45 minutes in Charlton U23s’ 3-2 win over Millwall at The Den today.

The summer signing from Morecambe needed surgery on a groin injury.

Lavelle, 25, has not featured since the 1-0 win at Sunderland on October 23 – Johnnie Jackson’s first game as interim boss.

Charlton have seen their centre-back options increase with Ryan Inniss also back fit. The former Crystal Palac man played 70 minutes in yesterday’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Norwich City.

Millwall moved into a 2-0 lead through goals by Seb Drozd and Zak Lovelace, who has recently been on the bench for the senior side.

But the away side produced a turnaround in the final 15 minutes. Aaron Henry converted from the penalty spot after Tyreece Campbell was brought down and added a second with a direct free-kick.

Young striker Daniel Kanu completed the scoring four minutes from time.

PICTURE: BRIAN TONKS