Konchesky became the youngest-ever player to appear in a competitive match for Charlton when he took the field against Oxford in 1997 aged just 16.

Sound on the ball, he also comes forward to good effect and is a fine crosser of the ball who gained Premiership experience against Wimbledon and Newcastle during Charlton's first top-flight run.

Konchesky's hopes of an extended run in the side were often thwarted by the form of Chris Powell, who went on to win full England recognition.

But the quality of Konchesky's crossing meant he was able to fill a midfield role from time to time.

He was tipped to be Powell's natural successor at left-back.

Konchesky earned England Under-21 honours, and went to the European Under-21 Championships in May 2002.

He became a regular in the Charlton side during the 2002/03 season and made his England debut against Australia in February 2003. He was part of Sven Goran Eriksson's second-half 'Young XI' that fought back from a 2-0 first-half deficit but eventually lost 3-1 at Upton Park.

But Konchesky's career stalled somewhat after that, and after handing in a transfer request at the end of the season his future was in the balance.

No club came in for him, and after being left out of the first team squad at the start of the 2003/04 campaign he was in limbo. But Spurs came in to take him on loan for a month on transfer deadline day in September.

He made 15 appearances for Spurs, before the Addicks were forced to recall him in December due to an injury crisis.

Konchesky claimed it would be 'horrible' to return but he had no choice in the matter.

Konchesky then found himself back in favour at The Valley and his performances looked to be returning to their former high standards. He passed 125 games for Charlton when returning in that 2003/04 term.

source: soccernet