Thierry Small impressing for Charlton Athletic but transfer window focus is still to strengthen down that side of pitch

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has praised Thierry Small for the way he has filled in at right wing-back.

The former Southampton and Everton youngster has played on his weaker side due to injuries to Kayne Ramsay, Tennai Watson and Tayo Edun.

Small’s pace has given League One opposition issues and he was a strong outlet during Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Reading.

“With the greatest of respect we have only attacked down one side in matches because it hasn’t been as fluid as the left side,” said Jones. “We have looked for solutions to do it.

“We’ve slightly changed shape and tried TC (Tyreece Campbell) out there even though it isn’t really his position.

“We’ve had three right-siders injured for the long term.

“It has caused us a problem. We started Thierry there at Huddersfield and thought that could solve the problem – then we went down to 10 men and had to change.

“He has been excellent. He is a young kid learning his trade – he’ll do anything you want. He is a threat and enjoying himself out there at the minute.

“What we’d like him to do now is add that touch more quality, because when he cuts inside if he bends any of those shots in then we win the game. But now we are attacking down both sides.

“He has just turned 20. He wants to learn – great player. The best is yet to come from him because this is the first time he has found a home where people really care about him.”

Asked if Small’s performances still meant they were looking to add down the right side, Jones responded: “Absolutely. We need something in that area as cover. We’ve got Kayne (Ramsay) coming back, which provides a different dynamic behind that – so we’ve got better competition. But we do (need something).

“We’re not going to do massive business in this window. What we want is in the final third. That is what we need.

“We are going to try and streamline the squad because there are a few here now that aren’t playing and aren’t getting the minutes. They are great lads, training and excellent players, we don’t want to get rid of them because they aren’t good players. But we need to streamline the squad and then just add one or two bits in the final third that make us a little bit more potent.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD