Training ground graft is paying off as Tyreece Campbell strikes excellent goal in Charlton’s big victory over Reading

Michael Appleton believes some of the hard work put into coaching Tyreece Campbell paid off in Charlton’s 4-0 win over Reading today.

The 20-year-old winger crashed home a superb strike to put the Addicks 2-0 ahead at The Valley.

It was Campbell’s second goal of the season, his other coming in the 4-3 defeat to Crawley Town in the EFL Trophy.

Campbell was brought on at half-time and replaced Manchester City loanee Slobodan Tedic, who struggled to make an impact on the right flank.

Asked if the academy product was giving him a selection headache, head coach Appleton said: “Yeah, definitely. That’s the whole point in having a squad and competing in three games a week on a regular basis.

“Two weeks ago or three weeks ago TC would have driven inside and tried to hit that one with his left foot. I can’t tell you how hard we have been trying to work with him to strike it early with his left foot.

“He’s one of those players, and there aren’t many around, who doesn’t need much backlift. So it’s very, very difficult to defend against. It’s just giving him the confidence and courage to be able to do that, because he tends to drive inside – which makes him a little bit more predictable.

“I’d like to think that gives him the confidence to know he can go either side of a defender.

“He’s got fantastic potential – as has Nathan (Asiimwe), Miles (Leaburn), Karoy (Anderson) and all the other young players at the club. We’ve got to create a platform that allows them to fulfill that potential.

“Sometimes you can create an environment for them to do that and they don’t do it. At some point you have to take the reins off and it’s down to them now.

“He is making all the right progression. Today was his day. I hope it’s his day again on Tuesday and on Saturday and then we’re talking about someone doing it on a regular basis.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD