MICHAEL Appleton believes it is too early to speculate on whether new keeper Sam Walker will extend his Valley stay in the new year.
Charlton drafted in free agent Walker earlier this week following Harry Isted’s injury to provide cover between the sticks to Ashley Maynard-Brewer.
Walker now has a chance to impress after landing a temporary deal in SE7 until January, although Appleton was reluctant to commit when asked today if that could potentially be extended.
“It is still really early days at the minute,” said the Valley manager.
“Let’s see how Harry’s recovery goes.
“It is something that we spoke about in the first week or so coming in – the fact we’ve got two sort of senior keepers but then below that there isn’t anything in between.
“We have got options and Sam would be one of them.
“I’m sure that if he continues to hit the ground running like he has done and impress people then you never know.”
Appleton also pointed out there is no clear date yet for when Isted will be back to full fitness.
“Harry is going to be out for a while anyway,” he said.
“Whether he returns before January or not I think the likely chance is he is going to and probably maybe around December sometime.
“I don’t want to put Adam Coe (head of medical) and the lads under too much pressure.
“All I would say is Sam has come in and has been outstanding. He has been fantastic.
“We’ve got Ash who has played in the games and done his part and made big saves at important times.
“I hope he continues to do that, but Sam as a back-up is showing in training to the players and my staff that he is more than capable.”
Charlton will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run tomorrow under Appleton when Reading visit The Valley.
But it looks as if this game may have come too soon for Ipswich loanee Panutche Camara, who is back in full training after suffering a foot injury against Bristol Rovers two months ago.
“All I would say regarding Pan is he is one of those type of athletes that can deal with being thrown in at the deep end a little bit,” said Appleton.
“Saturday has come around really quickly for him, so that might be too much.
“But what he has done over the last three or four days, certainly working with the players, he has shown his capabilities and what he can bring to the team as and when we feel that is the right time.
“Because of his recent injuries at Ipswich etc I’ve not seen him for a while until coming in this week.
“I’ve come up against him as an opposition manager in the past when he was at Plymouth, but this is the first time I’ve had really close eyes on him and I’ve been really impressed.”
