Spector up for challenge

Jonathan Spector admits competition for a spot in the Charlton team will be fierce.

The American teenager has joined The Addicks on a season-long loan from Manchester United and will aim to accrue further experience.

He has been training with his new team-mates and has enjoyed his early impressions of the club.

But with Charlton boss Alan Curbishley having been active in the transfer market over the summer, Spector is aware it will not be easy to nail down a spot in the starting XI.

"It's a pretty competitive atmosphere round here, which is very important I think, especially with all the new faces coming in," Spector told Sky Sports News.

"Everyone is trying to earn a spot in the first team and it is very competitive, which is important for a successful team."

Spector left Old Trafford after his compatriots - the Glazer family - bought The Red Devils, but he does not feel the new owners will impact heavily on the players.

He added: "I'm sure he'll have good intentions for the club and hopefully will be able to help them to have a successful season this year.

"The players are there to play and are not there for political or financial things. They are there to play, that's their job and I don't see why things will run any differently there."

The defender's new boss Curbishley is happy with his signings so far and has set his sights on taking Charlton into the top ten in The Premiership.

Curbishley said: "I think a top ten finish for us would be a great achievement.

"Some people will say that's a lack of ambition, but it would be a great achievement for a club like us."