Chris Dickson cheered Charlton supporters this week by declaring that he wants to stay and fight for his place.

The 24-year-old striker, transfer-listed at his own request on December 17, received a standing ovation to crown Saturday’s dazzling full home debut against Plymouth.

“I asked for a move because I wasn’t happy,” said Dickson who signed a one-year contract extension to his two and a half year contract on August 19.

“I didn’t think I was being given a chance and deserved better. But things have got better and I want to stay and fight for my place.”

Dickson made his first start after 18 substitute appearances in the 2-1 defeat at Burnley on January 31 and has since stayed in the side.

Manager Phil Parkinson disclosed: “Chris has not held back in making known his feelings to me and everyone else. He has an immese amount of confidence in his own ability, which goalscorers need if they are to be successful.

“He’s come from a non-league environment where he was so much better than anyone else but he needed to add things to his game. Because he’s doing that, he’s becoming a better all-round player.”

Parkinson rejected suggestions that Dickson’s continued exclusion from Charlton’s starting line-up was down to a clause inserted in the contract when he signed from Dulwich Hamlet in March, 2007, guaranteeing the Ryman League club an extra £15,000 once he started a match.

Parkinson insisted: “I know nothing about that and it has not affected selection. Chris is in the side on merit.”

Charlton have extended the loan of Stoke City midfielder Tom Soares for a further month, making him available for Saturday’s match at Barnsley.