Addicks academy duo Daniel Kanu and Harris O’Connor spoke to CharltonTV following Wednesday night's impressive victory over Gillingham.
The pair were among eight academy graduates named in Ben Garner's starting line-up and enjoyed full debuts to remember as Charlton earned a 3-0 Papa John's Trophy triumph.
Kanu said: “On other days it probably would have bothered me that I haven't scored, but not as much today because we got the win and it was my first time starting in a game and playing in front of all the fans.
"I'm not too bothered about it this time but I will look back at it. There are things I could have done better but some things I did well. I am a young lad anyway; I have a lot to learn and a lot to improve on.
“I'm so happy," added the 17-year-old. "We went through it yesterday and I found out I was starting. It was a lot to take in really but I tried to keep my head straight and focus on the training session, focus on today and get my preparation right to give myself the best chance.
"I got a bit unlucky with the chances, but I am sure they will come as long as I keep getting myself in the right positions to score. That is the most important thing and it was what I was able to do."
Alongside his U21 teammate Kanu was right-back Harris O’Connor, who re-signed for the Addicks in November 2021 having previously been in Charlton’s esteemed academy between the ages of seven and 12.
O’Connor said: “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster the last few days. Obviously I was disappointed in the first place not to be involved tonight and then to get that call yesterday was unbelievable. To come in today and not know if I was starting or not, there was adrenaline pumping through me."
O’Connor featured in the young Addicks' win over Coventry City on Tuesday afternoon and has started every single game for the U21s this term.
“It was brilliant, a completely different experience to U21 football with the fans and pressure of the manager watching you. I'm happy with my performance.
"DK [Daniel Kanu] should have got on the end of one of my crosses! I had two words for him - one at half-time and one when we were on the bench after the game!"
"We're always pushing to break through into the first team, that is the end goal," added the Scotland youth international. "We've just got to keep doing the right things, stay patient and hopefully the opportunity will come."
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
For more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member, please click here.
(Article by Alex Forrest)