Fortune return delights Parkinson

2nd December 2008

Charlton caretaker boss Phil Parkinson feels the return of defender Jonathan Fortune to the first team could help his side move out of the relegation zone.

Fortune has been sidelined since September with a knee injury, but he returned to the back four alongside skipper Mark Hudson and helped the Addicks to a first clean sheet in 13 attempts in Saturday's goalless draw with Southampton.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that the last clean sheet we kept was when Jon last played at Forest," said Parkinson.

"He's a good player, he reads the game well and he knows what playing for Charlton is all about.

"Jon and Mark played well together. Hudson has been tremendous all season and Jon slotted in there well. There's always a bit of a risk in terms of match fitness, but Jon's character got him through."