Nathan Jones' comments on his Charlton Athletic goalkeepers make it clear that starting spot is firmly up for grabs

Will Mannion talks to South London Sport about losing number one status at start of Championship season

Nathan Jones has spelled out that the number one spot at Charlton Athletic is a two-way battle between Thomas Kaminski and Will Mannion.

Kaminski, signed for an undisclosed fee from Luton Town in the summer, had played every minute in the Championship campaign until a hamstring injury saw him sit out the 1-0 defeat to Wrexham on February 28.

Mannion, who finished last season as first choice, has replaced the Belgium-born stopper and earned praise from Jones for his performance in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Birmingham City.

Will Mannion/Picture: Keith Gillard

It looks highly likely that Mannion will stay in the starting line-up for Wednesday’s match at promotion-chasing Middlesbrough even if Kaminski were to be declared fit.