Charlton Athletic manager Johnnie Jackson has revealed that fierce competition for places has prevented him from giving any minutes to Tottenham Hotspur loanee Nile John since his move to the club in January.
John is thought of very highly at Tottenham, having already made two appearances for the first team (Transfermakrt).
The 20-year-old midfielder had been in terrific form for Spurs’ Under-23s this season, having scored seven goals and three assists in Premier League 2.
So, when the youngster completed a loan move to the Valley in January, there was an expectation that he would be able to prove his worth at the League One club.
However, more than two months into his loan spell, the midfielder is yet to take to the field for the Addicks and has only made the bench on four occasions (InsideFutbol).
Jackson admitted that he has been impressed with John’s application and effort in training, insisting that it was just competition for places in the middle of the park that was preventing the Spurs academy graduate from getting minutes.
Speaking to the South London Press, the Charlton boss said: “Unfortunately for him (John), where he plays we have got a lot of competition for places.
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“In the last couple of games people have done well in that position and we’ve brought in Scottie Fraser in January as well.
“It’s been difficult to give him that opportunity. He trains hard every day and he’s a young lad away from home.
“Although he’s not had any involvement he has knuckled down and got on with it. For that alone, I think he deserves an opportunity.
“But it is easier said than done when you’re trying to pick a team you think is going to win the game and we do need to get points on the board still.
“When I feel the opportunity is right and there is a situation then I will try and give the lad an opportunity.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Nile John’s lack of opportunities would be understandable if Charlton were flying.
However, they have struggled for consistency and are now languishing in 15th place in League One, which makes the 20-year-old’s situation even more puzzling.
I would not be surprised if Spurs recalled the midfielder from the loan spell if he fails to get minutes under his belt over the coming weeks.
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