Charlton winger Karlan Ahearne-Grant could start against Portsmouth on Saturday.

Ahearne-Grant, 20, has been in the form of his life, scoring three goals in three successive games.

Billy Clarke and Ben Reeves are likely to settle for places on the bench after just returning from injury.

And when asked whether Ahearne-Grant is in contention to start, Addicks boss Karl Robinson told News Shopper: “He’s worked hard so yeah.

“But this is what we’re here to do, we’re here to improve people.

“Fundamentally, my job as a manager is about getting results, but behind that, I have to work with individuals, coach them and make them better.

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“We have to give them belief and Karlan is certainly someone who’s taken it on board.”

Injuries to Clarke, Reeves and Tariqe Fosu have given Ahearne-Grant and Mark Marshall more first-team minutes. The latter has started the last four league games.

Marshall impressed in Charlton’s FA Cup defeat to AFC Wimbledon on Sunday, in what was arguably his best performance in an Addicks shirt.

Robinson added: “He’s a long way away from being at his best.

“He needs to step-up even more now [with injured players coming back], no one’s starting place is guaranteed here.”