‘We have to get the balance right’ – Dean Holden asked if Daniel Kanu will get more minutes

Dean Holden says he is not afraid to give young players a chance to impress him, after 18-year-old Daniel Kanu was used during today’s defeat at Plymouth.

The forward was introduced from the bench midway through the second period, his first appearance since starting the first two games of Holden’s Addicks reign.

Fans had been calling for the academy starlet to be given more game time and Holden said he was impressed with his display at Home Park.

“He was excellent when he came on,” said the Addicks boss.

“He gave them real problems. We know how quick he is. That’s why I played him in my first two games. He is probably one of the few in our squad who wants to run in behind and can do it, physically. Him and Miles linked up well, they did well.”

Asked if Charlton’s league season effectively being over meant that he could give Kanu more game time, Holden added: “We start looking towards next season. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a decent enough gap from the team at the bottom but we can’t get complacent with that. We’re never safe until we’re safe. Two months ago, that was looking in jeopardy.

“We have to get the balance right. We’ve used Aaron Henry, we’ve used Albie Morgan. Lucas (Ness) and (Ashley) Maynard-Brewer have been mainstays in the team. We’ve seen bits of Daniel. Miles has been injured but has played a lot. I’m not afraid to play the youngsters at all. If they’re fit and available and look like they’re ready to come in, they’ll play.”

PHOTO: KYLE ANDREWS