Karl Robinson set to hand Charlton duo Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Naby Sarr second chance

Ahearne-Grant, 19, has failed to hold down a regular starting spot since breaking into the first-team as a 17-year-old in the Championship.

The young striker has been used sparingly, and was shipped out on loan to Cambridge United last year. It’s led to question marks surrounding his Valley future.

But Robinson is a big fan of Ahearne-Grant and insists he’s going nowhere this summer.

The Charlton boss told News Shopper: “Since we’ve come back for pre-season, he’s someone who’s certainly impressed me and hopefully that can continue.

MORE: Five things we learned from Charlton’s friendly with Dover 

“He can play in any [forward] position. He needs to learn to shoot a bit more often. He tries to find the perfect opening to shoot.

“Karlan’s really improved and I’m really happy with him. He won’t be going out on loan - he’ll be staying with us and trying to fight for his place.”

Meanwhile, Naby Sarr is another unlikely Charlton player who has caught Robinson’s eye in pre-season.

The Addicks signed Sarr from Sporting Lisbon for an undisclosed fee two summers ago, but he struggled to handle the physicality of English football.

The defender spent last season on loan with Red Star Paris, who suffered relegation from Ligue 2.

Karl Robinson and Naby Sarr | Picture: Ben Peters Photography 

With three years still to run on his contract, he was expected to go out on loan again to try to free up space on Charlton’s wage bill.

However, Robinson hinted that the former France Under-21 international does have a future with the Addicks.

He said: “I thought Naby Sarr was excellent alongside Ez [Konsa] against Dover. So he starts jumping into your mind about decisions that you have to make.

“I can only judge players from what they do in front of me, not on what’s gone before.

“That’s unfair in any walk of life to judge somebody on past record. I can judge you on present form and since Naby’s come back, he’s been very, very good.”