Solly is determined not to be left behind
Chris Solly is itching to again get the nod from Phil Parkinson for Saturday's (3pm) encounter at Swindon Town.
Despite being right-footed, the Addicks youngster replaced Grant Basey at left-back against the Saddlers, and turned in an accomplished display as Charlton earned a 1-1 draw in the West Midlands.
And with Kelly Youga currently sidelined by a knee injury, Solly is aiming to become a regular fixture in Charlton's side as the Addicks aim to escape League One at the first time of asking.
"I was pleased with my performance on Tuesday,” Solly told the official website. "Hopefully I'll keep my place for Saturday, but if not, I'll have to work hard until I get my chance again. It's between me and Base for the position at the minute, so best of luck to whoever gets the shout for Saturday.”
After making his first league start for Charlton at Walsall on Tuesday night, He continued: "I didn't find out until the morning of the game that I would play against Walsall. I wasn't really nervous and I just couldn't wait for the game to start.
"The gaffer just told me to play my normal game and do what I do, and he was pleased with me afterwards. I feel quite comfortable playing at left-back as I've played there a fair bit for the reserves and the youth team."
Reflecting on the draw, Solly felt Charlton were unlucky not to come away with all three points, stating: "The pitch was terrible - there was no grass on it!
"But we had to cope with the conditions and we did actually play some good football considering the state of the pitch.
"It was disappointing not to get the win, but the performance was there so hopefully we can take that into Saturday's match at Swindon."
All the more impressive about Solly's performance at Walsall was the fact that the starlet had only played one reserve-team fixture since recovering from a knee injury which required surgery in late October.
"The knee was fine," said Solly. "I've had no problems since and fitness-wise I felt good because I've done a lot of fitness work in getting back from the injury."
The versatile Solly, who can also play in midfield, was well placed to view the contribution of recent loan signing Kyel Reid at Walsall and was full of praise for the winger's work.
"He's done brilliantly since he's come in," mused Solly. "He's so energetic and brings a lot of pace to the team. He gets at the full-back every time he gets the ball, and an out-and-out winger is something we've missed on the left."
Solly, who made his Charlton debut on the final day of last season, is anticipating a tricky test for the Addicks against the Robins this weekend, but is hopeful of being called upon to play a part as he bids to win a new contract to stay in SE7 beyond the end of the season.
The academy graduate added: "Swindon are flying at the moment so it will be a tough game. But we know if we play at the levels we can get to, we can beat anyone. We need to turn these draws into wins, but I think we'll be fine.
"It's a big season for me. I'm 19 now and I want to be playing games. Now I need to stake my claim and stay in the first team. I've had a chance and I need to show why I should be starting every week. My contract's up at the end of the year so hopefully I'll get a new deal and that can be sorted as well."
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