Albie Morgan has been told he needs to go out on loan this season, with Lee Bowyer not expecting him to be in Charlton’s plans for at least the first half of the upcoming campaign.

The midfielder, 19, impressed last term as he helped the Addicks return to the Championship for the first time in three years.

But Bowyer wants Morgan to improve the defensive aspects of his game before he can be considered ready for the step up to the second tier.

And whilst clubs will be interested in the teenager’s services, Bowyer insists, the Addicks boss is keen to add experience and quality to his squad – particularly in central midfield.

He said: “Albie has come back sharper this preseason. He needs to work on the defensive side of the game.

“He's a young lad. It's not his fault, he's a young lad and, to me, he has never been taught it. It's going to be a bit of a gamble for us to try and teach him in the Championship because we will get punished.

“I have already spoken to him, at the start of preseason, and he needs to go on loan. He needs to learn the defensive side of the game because, unfortunately, we can't take that gamble with him and it's better that he goes and plays games [somewhere else] and gets men's football into him.

“He's a young lad that has burst onto the scene and done well but, unfortunately, in the Championship you can't carry players. As good as he is in possession, unfortunately, there are two sides to the game - the attacking side and the defensive side.

“He's not been taught the defensive side and he needs to learn that.”

Asked whether there are clubs interested in Morgan, Bowyer added: “There will be because he's a very good player, so yeah there will be clubs interested in him I'm sure.”

It’s another target for Morgan to aspire to after previously being told he must work on his fitness levels if he is to continue improving.

The Addicks academy graduate made 16 appearances in all competitions last season, registering three assists in the process.

Meanwhile, former Charlton winger Callum Harriott is expected to feature in the club’s trip to Colchester United on Tuesday in midweek.

Harriott, who left fellow Championship outfit Reading after his contract expired earlier this summer, has been training with the club.

He played a part in the back-to-back games against Ebbsfleet United and Dagenham and Redbridge respectively, however, he did not travel with the squad to Gillingham.

Though it also appears there is considerable distance between the two parties in terms of a permanent deal.

Bowyer said: “Callum's obviously training with us, trained today. There's a good chance he'll be involved on Tuesday's game but, as a deal stands, not at the moment. I've only seen him play maybe 30 minutes, I think, and train about four days.

“So no, not at the moment.”