Probably the most frustrating role in football is that of a club’s number two keeper. The current incumbent at Charlton, Dave Button, knows this all too well.

Button, who will be 24 on Wednesday, holds the record for making the most league appearances without ever having played for his parent club.

The Stevenage born stopper made 90 appearances whilst on loan at Bournemouth, Dagenham, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Plymouth, Orient, Doncaster and Barnsley during his Tottenham days. Button also had loan spells at Rochdale and Luton without featuring in a league game.

He made a reported £200,000 switch to The Valley in the summer, hoping to establish himself as the club’s first choice keeper.

Ben Hamer’s form has prevented that but Hamer’s performanaces have dipped in recent weeks, which could open the door for the former Tottenham man.

Button performed well against Huddersfield in the FA Cup match at The Valley and could be close to finally making that elusive league appearance for his own club.

He is likely to play in the Under-21 game against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Monday evening, and the match could be a sharpener for Saturday’s clash with Burnley at The Valley.

If the likeable Button does get the nod ahead of Hamer on Saturday, it will be the perfect belated birthday present.