Dowie sorry for Cory

With all the furore surrounding the high-profile capture of Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, the forgotten man of Charlton made his first appearance at the club's Sparrow's Lane training ground complex last week.

Gibbs in action for USA against England's Jermaine Jenas

While the prolific Dutch striker has generated column inches aplenty and young prospect Simon Walton has slotted effortlessly into his new club after moving from Leeds United, it is easy to forget that defender Cory Gibbs was technically the first signing of the summer.

The United States international defender was snapped up on a pre-contract basis subject to a work permit from Feyenoord a day after the 2005/06 season - and the Alan Curbishley era - ended at Old Trafford.

An integral part of his national team's plans ahead of the World Cup, Gibbs found himself up against potential new teammate Talal El Karkouri as America hosted a friendly against Morocco in Nashville.

Although he completed the 90 minutes, Gibbs was later diagnosed with a serious knee problem that ruled him out of the tournament in Germany and required surgery that is likely to delay his Charlton debut until the end of the year.

And new Addicks chief Iain Dowie has admitted the loss of Gibbs was a blow to his Premiership plans.

He said: "He came in as a left-back and to be injured is devastating for the lad.

"It's something we have to deal with and the lad needs support now, that's what we have to give him."

When quizzed about a potential comeback, Dowie suggested the 26-year-old will probably be in line for a late Autumn debut, although he was wary of pinpointing a date given his need for match fitness as well.

"I would think it will be the early part of November," he added.

"We will make sure he has the best of treatment. I pride myself in having people that really make sure that the rehab is focused.

"We have got some good people at the club and one or two additional people to make sure Cory gets back in the best possible shape."