Addicks eye defender swoop

Charlton have taken former Southampton defender Darren Powell on trial with a view to handing the player a contract.

Powell is available for nothing as he is without a club after leaving Saints in the summer and Addicks boss Alan Pardew is keen to take a look at him before making up his mind.

The 32-year-old, who has also played for Crystal Palace, turned out for the reserves in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich and impressed with an assured display in central defence.

"He has not played for quite some time because of injury but gave us that experience at the back," said reserves boss Mark Kinsella.