Watt goal sees off sorry Rangers

Tony Watt came off the bench to open the scoring for Charlton and condemn relegated QPR to a losing start to their Championship return.

A disciplinary issue from the training ground saw the former Celtic striker start the match on the bench but within seven minutes of coming on for Karlan Ahearne-Grant he was on target helping Charlton to a 2-0 win.

“It was the perfect start,” Charlton boss Guy Luzon said. “The first game, a London derby, it was great for our team and great for our supporters.

“Some players made their debut in the Championship and they played well. QPR are a good team that played last season in the Premier League. We passed this obstacle. I’m sure we will improve and get better and better.

“Tony changed the game and brought us some bravery in our attack. He showed a lot of quality and I’m happy for him.”

Asked about why Watt had started on the bench he added: “It’s between me and him. Something happened in training and because of that he didn’t start the game, but I know he had the quality to change the game.

“He accepted. He didn’t have any choice. When the coach takes a decision and the coach thinks it is the right decision to make, this is the situation. There is no doubt about Tony and his quality.”

With the high spending Harry Redknapp days over Rangers boss Chris Ramsay is faced with mounting a promotion challenge while balancing the books.

“It’s disappointing as we started very well,” he claimed. “We didn’t take the chances we created, which will come back to bite you as time goes on. It was difficult to claw back the momentum.

“Charlton are a very resilient side and I’m sure they were happy that they weathered the storm when they did. They had their time and they took their two chances.”