Michael Appleton, head coach of Charlton Athletic, has stated why he has decided not to recall Daniel Kanu from his loan at Southend United.
In October, the 19-year-old joined the National League team on a 28-day loan.
The Addicks can bring Kanu back now that the initial period has passed, but despite Chuks Aneke’s injury, they have decided to keep Kanu at Roots Hall.
Sierra Leone’s youthful forward recently received his first senior call-up and came off the bench in their 2-0 loss to Egypt in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday. Kanu was an unused substitute in last week’s 0-0 draw with Ethiopia.
“As much game time as possible is so valuable to Dan,” Appleton explained. “When I first arrived at the club, I must admit that one or two people who had previously worked with Dan mentioned how vital it is for him to continue playing.
“He is one of those players who needs to play because he is a natural goal scorer.”
“He has a lot of elements in his game that he has to work on and improve. He might be a little sloppy in his link-up play at times, but that will only improve as he plays more minutes.
https://twitter.com/danielkanu_/status/1726375778869293120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“From that point of view it is probably the right thing (to keep him at Southend).”
Charlton had offered Kanu new professional conditions, according to our publication.
“I think it is one of them that there are quite a few players that are in discussions with Andy (Scott) and the club,” Appleton added. “Absolutely we see him as an asset to the football club and we’ll try and look after that.”