Maybe not a new signing as such, but Andy Hughes’ return to action in Tuesday’s friendly with Millwall at Sparrows Lane, probably seemed like it to Chris Powell.

Hughes has been sidelined all season after undergoing surgery on his achilles in the summer. The gritty Stockport born midfielder is now 35 but could still have a part to play in Charlton’s season.

When Dale Stephens required ankle surgery in the autumn of 2011, Hughes was brought in to partner Danny Hollands. He started five games alongside the former Bournemouth man and Charlton won them all.

A no frills player, Hughes is a natural leader who can talk younger teammates through a game. Hughes is a great presence to have in the dressing room and he has been a regular at The Valley this season and his enthusiasm is infectious. Here’s what he said on the club’s website after that Millwall game:

“At the end of last season after we got promoted at Carlisle I had an achilles operation to cure a bit of tendonitis.

“Unfortunately it didn’t work and I ended up having to have a second, and more invasive, one.

“It has not been easy. It has been pretty tough, but these times are sent to test you. I don’t whinge about it.

“You just go through what you have to go through. It has been nine-to-ten months and I’ll just carry on. I’m a little bit older now so I’ll have to look after myself a bit better rather than thinking I’m 21 again.

“It felt great just to be out there and back involved. It has been a long time and there is still a long way to go and I still maybe need a few more games. I feel physically fit so I’ll just stay positive and manage my body a bit better as I am bit older.

“I’ve not been out of the dressing room, but it has been nice to be back involved actually on the training pitch with the lads. It’s been brilliant.

“It is part and parcel of being a footballer. There is good times and there is bad times so you have to experience both to appreciate it.

“I’m a lucky lad to still be at this club and I will do everything I can now to get back in the squad and help the team.”

If determination and hard graft count for anything, Hughes will be in contention for a first team recall in the next few weeks.

A future in coaching and management is a distinct possibility when Andy does finally hang his boots up, but for now, he is just focused on winning his place in the first team back.