Manager Alan Pardew singled out match-winner Luke Varney and defender Kelly Youga for praise after Charlton's 1-0 win in torrential rain at Welling on Wednesday.

He said: "Luke Varney showed the kind of form he demonstrated when he first arrived last summer and I hope we can keep him injury-free because he looked exceptional, as did Kelly Youga. Those two were the pick of the bunch on a difficult pitch.

"It was a good work-out for us and I thought we looked sharp with some big-hitters to come into the side. But we have a number of our younger players knocking on the door, such as Scott Wagstaff who was brilliant at Bromley and enjoyed a nice cameo against Welling.

"There were good signs, especially Mark Hudson who is a fantastic signing for us from Crystal Palace."

Pardew also praised the work-rate of newcomer Stuart Fleetwood who played alongside Varney up front. "We''ll take that performance as a first marker for him."

Strikers Chris Iwelumo (hamstring) and Andy Gray (back) have missed the opening two pre-season friendlies through injuries, which Pardew says are not serious.

Pardew disclosed he was in the market to sign another two or three players before the new Championship season kicks off on August 9. To do that he must move players out to create room for manoeuvre within his budget.