Tottenham loanee ‘deserves’ to make Charlton Athletic appearance before end of the season

Johnnie Jackson is keen to give Tottenham loanee Nile John a taste of first-team action before the end of the season and has praised the Tottenham loanee’s attitude.

The 19-year-old midfielder signed for the Addicks towards the end of the January transfer window.

But he is yet to play a minute for the League One club, despite a seven-game winless period covering February and the start of March.

John, regarded as one of the brightest talents in U23 football, has not made the bench for the last three fixtures.

“I would like to give him an opportunity before the end of the season,” Charlton manager Jackson told the South London Press. “His attitude has been spot on. He is probably the only one in the group who has not had an opportunity.

“Unfortunately for him, where he plays we have got a lot of competition for places. In the last couple of games people have done well in that position and we’ve brought in Scottie Fraser in January as well. It’s been difficult to give him that opportunity.

“He trains hard every day and he’s a young lad away from home. Although he’s not had any involvement he has knuckled down and got on with it. For that alone, I think he deserves an opportunity. But it is easier said than done when you’re trying to pick a team you think is going to win the game and we do need to get points on the board still.

“When I feel the opportunity is right and there is a situation then I will try and give the lad an opportunity.”