FORMER England man Nathaniel Chalobah has been handed a last-gasp Championship lifeline – after joining Charlton Athletic on trial.
The midfielder, 31, became a free agent when he walked away from Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season.
And Charlton boss Nathan Jones has decided to give Chalobah an opportunity to reignite his career in the second tier.
He came off the bench during the Addicks’ pre-season win over Colchester United last night.
Chalobah replaced Charlton fan favourite Conor Coventry just after the hour mark to give Jones the chance to run the rule over him.
The South Londoners, who will face Reading in their final warm-up showdown on Saturday, are tempted to land the former Chelsea youngster as a free agent if he impresses during his trial.
Chalobah, brother of Chelsea and England star Trevoh, made 13 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season, notching two goals and one assist along the way.
But he could not stop the crisis club making unwanted history as they were relegated to League One in FEBRUARY.
Sheffield Wednesday were deducted 18 points for financial mismanagement and staff went unpaid for several months during a chaotic campaign.
Chalobah paid an emotional tribute to the Hillsborough faithful when his exit was confirmed.
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In a statement shared on social media, the one-time Premier League title winner said: “As my time at Sheffield Wednesday comes to an end, I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone associated with the club.
“To all the people that came out every single week home and away to support the boys just shows the passion and love you all have for the club.
“To my guys in the changing room. Dark times from the start but we kept each other going through crazy times, character, resilience, fight but most of all empathy through circumstances we hopefully never have to go through again.
“I just wished I was there more to go through it with you all. To the staff that were able to keep everyone level even though times were tough for you too, thank you for your care.
“From my family and I (especially my kids who are now die hard Wednesday fans), thank you.”
Chalobah made his England debut in October 2018, when he came on as a late substitute in a thrilling Nations League win over Spain.
But he has not added to his one cap and has gone on to have spells with the likes of Watford, West Brom, Fulham and Napoli since coming through the ranks at Stamford Bridge.
Charlton will get their season underway with a trip to Cheltenham Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup next week.