Jason Pearce insists Charlton must sign a striker to replace Tony Watt.

Josh Magennis and Lee Novak are the Addicks’ only senior forwards after Watt joined Belgian club Oud-Heverlee Leuven on the weekend.

Charlton’s need for a striker was illustrated by the number of missed chances in their 2-0 defeat to Plymouth.

Addicks defender Pearce told News Shopper: “It’s important we bring in another striker, if we can.

“At the moment, Lee Novak is suspended, Josh Magennis is the only recognised striker and Reeco [Hackett-Fairchild] is a young lad who hasn’t played many games. So it’s really important we get another player in.”

Charlton had 14 shots, seven on target, but lacked ruthlessness in front of goal against Plymouth. Magennis hit the crossbar and Jake Forster-Caskey had a volley cleared off the line.

And when Addicks boss Karl Robinson turned to his bench for firepower, he brought on youngster Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, who made his senior league debut.

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It highlighted the current lack of depth in Charlton’s forward positions.

It was believed that Watt, who was in the final year of his Valley contract, would stay and fight for his place this season.

But Robinson revealed the striker wanted a new challenge.

Pearce added: “He’s a good lad, Tony. Obviously he wasn’t in the plans here. So, it happens in football and he’s moved on to something new, and hopefully we can get someone else in to take his place and add to the squad.

“He was good to have around the place. But at the end of the day, it’s the manager’s or the club’s opinion on a player and if they’re not wanted in the squad, then they have to move on.

“It’s happened to myself and a lot of players so you just have to stay strong and move on.”

Charlton’s shock defeat to Plymouth proved how tough League One is going to be this year.

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The Addicks were expected to beat the newly-promoted Pilgrims on Saturday. But Jake Jervis’ second-half brace was enough to inflict a first defeat of the season on the London club.

Pearce said: “It shows anyone can beat anyone. But with the standards that we’ve got, we feel that we should be towards the top of the table, not mid-table or near the bottom.

“On reflection we want to be winning these games so it’s disappointing. But it’s happened early on so hopefully we can rectify that for the rest of the season.

“The fans turned out in numbers and it was great to see them and we appreciate them travelling all the way.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t get the result for the fans, but hopefully we can turn that around next week.”