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Everton target Ademola Lookman was left out of the Charlton Athletic squad yesterday to protect his "dream" according to manager Karl Robinson.

The League One club travelled to Southend United yesterday, where they drew 1-1, but Lookman, 19, was left out, with his Goodison switch on the brink of completion.

And his Liverpool-born manager explained that the teenager's omisison was due to a combination of trying to protect him, and mild illness.

“He could have left in the summer and he chose to stay," he said. "I had the same thing with Dele Alli. He turned down a few moves in one window and it got to Christmas and the kid was so scared of tackles.

"He became a marked man, I saw players purposely try to kick him.

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“I’ve moaned since day one about him needed protection. I can’t watch a kid’s dream go.

"The fans have stuck by in thick and thin and we have to stick by the kid through this as well. He’s an outstanding talent for the country. He did have a bit of a cold today. I felt it was right to not involve him in the squad."

Robinson praised the desire shown by Lookman during his time at the Valley.

He said: “The kid’s desire for this club since he’s walked in has been outstanding.

“What it does do is that Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Josh Umerah get into the squad. These are players who are going to be with us for a number of years. I can’t reflect on the ifs and buts.”