Just over a month ago Chuks Aneke had to go into isolation after being diagnosed with coronavirus but last night, now fit and healthy, the striker scored a late winner for the Addicks at Blackpool.
The 27-year-old admitted his time in isolation had been tough but that he is pleased to be back playing now and wants to build on his 83rd minute goal last night.
Speaking after the game he said: “I’m doing well now thankfully, I just want to get a run in the team. I’ve had injury problems while I’ve been here. I know what I can do in this team, I want to score goals and increase my output with assists and goals like today.”
Aneke started the move that ended in a bullet header past former Addick Chris Maxwell and he praised teammates Ian Maatsen and Alfie Doughty for the parts they played in the goal.
“It was a great cross,” he said, “Alfie’s poked it back in and I’m in the six-yard box and I’ve just headed it, so I’m delighted with that.
“We’ve got back-to-back wins now, and that is positive. The games come thick and fast, so we have got to stay humble, keep our heads focussed and go again.”
The Addicks played against 10 men for 89 minutes after the early sending off of James Husband but saw Ben Purrington sent off in the 39th minute. Ryan Inniss also had a goal disallowed and Aneke explained it was important the team remained focussed despite the refereeing decisions.
He said: “Decisions go with you and against you. There were two red cards in the game and you have to keep going and adapting and coming out with the result shows the mental strength of the lads and long may it continue.”
The former MK Dons man explained he doesn’t set goal targets but that he wants to continue to deliver both goals and assists. He added that Lee Bowyer is helping him develop as a player.
He said: “I enjoy working with the manager. He’s very demanding. He’s been on at me to have more of a striker’s instinct and he’ll be pleased with the way it worked today.
“We’ve got a good bunch. You are with these boys every single day and it is good to be around people you get on with. You want talent in there and hunger in there, it will be very interesting and hopefully we’ll do well this season.”
The full interview with Chuks Aneke will be on Valley Pass on Wednesday afternoon.