Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has revealed that the club are planning to send three of their young players out on loan to non-league sides.

The Addicks have been forced to lean on a number of their young squad members this season due to injury issues.

However, with some key men returning to full fitness and the club signing five players in the January window, it appears they're unlikely to see many first-team minutes for the rest of the campaign.

Speaking ahead of Charlton's clash with fellow Championship strugglers Stoke City on Saturday, Bowyer revealed that there were plans in place to send some of their young players out on loan to gain more experience.

He said: "We’ll probably send three of the young lads out to non-league on loan. It will benefit us in the long run and they can learn to improve the defensive side of their games."

Bowyer has previously indicated that the club were considering loan moves for midfielders Albie Morgan and Ben Dempsey, and striker Josh Davison.

It is understood they intend to keep midfielder Alfie Doughty at the club.

After a fantastic start to the season that saw them competing at the top of the table, Charlton are 19th in the Championship as things stand–just four points above the relegation zone.

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The Verdict

This decision makes a lot of sense to me.

From Bowyer's previous comments, it appears Davison, Morgan, and Dempsey are likely to be the three players that are sent out on loan.

That trio have all played important roles for the Addicks this season–stepping up when the squad was threadbare–but with players returning to fitness and the January signings arriving, they will likely have slipped down the pecking order at the club.

With that in mind, the chance to go out on loan and get regular first-team football makes a lot of sense.