Many people have felt that Charlton have looked jaded in recent weeks and with two games in three days coming up this weekend, the players will not be worked too hard at Sparrows Lane.

The Addicks have been fortunate with injuries this season, only Dale Stephens and Johnnie Jackson of the regular starting team have been sidelined for more than a game or two. This has allowed Chris Powell to field a settled side but the downside is it places a heavy burden on the first choice players.

On Saturday, Powell’s latest two recruits, Lee Cook and Dany N’Guessan, combined for the goal that sealed the victory against Orient. Cook,regained the ball on the left before delivering the sort of cross that strikers such as N’Guessan and Kermorgant thrive on. Delivered early, with pace and accuracy, N’Guessan was able to direct it beyond Paul Rachubka.

N’Guessan looks an ideal player to make an impact from the bench. Clearly happier in the middle than on the flanks, his pace and power are potent weapons. Whether he is considered a regular starter is doubtful though.

Lee Cook, at his best, is capable of playing at a higher level. Similar in style to Danny Green, he likes to deliver crosses early, puts in dangerous corners and has an eye for goal. Not a speed merchant, he has more tricks in his locker than Green and his left-footedness adds natural balance to the side.

N’Guessan entered the fray at just the right time on Saturday and Powell will have been delighted with the impact he and Cook had on procedings.
Reports at the weekend suggest that there will be a major clear out at Preston during the summer with one player possibly destined for The Valley.

Creative Scottish midfielder, Paul Coutts, is said to be interesting the Addicks but they may face competition from his former club, Peterborough, for his signature.

Not known for his goal scoring exploits, Coutts has made 112 league starts for Posh and Preston, plus a further 12 from the bench, netting just 4 times.

As the season draws to its close, and teams start thinking about the next campaign, the rumour mill will slowly crank into life again.