Cory Gibbs finally pulled on a Charlton jersey for the first time in a 4-2 Addicks Reserves home loss to Reading on Monday evening.

The Floridian went the first 45 minutes, his first action since suffering a serious knee injury playing for the US National Team in May, and came through the experience unscathed.

"The knee was fine," a happy Gibbs told YA. "And it felt good just to suit up even if it was just one half for the Reserves."

"The good thing was I came out injury free," he went on. "I am looking to play maybe one or two more reserve games and get back into the swing of things."

Gibbs is nearing the end of a long road that began unhappily when cartilage in his right knee became enflamed following the US v Morocco friendly almost six months ago to the day.

The setback forced him to miss World Cup 2006, but after yesterday's milestone, the 26-year old is now within touching distance of his Premiership debut.

"Yesterday, it was planned I would play just 45," said Gibbs. "I will ease into the next game and play 60, and then the game after that, go 90."

"Then I will see how it reacts and jump in the first team, hopefully, right after that."

Gibbs' return cannot come too soon for the southeast London side moored to the base of the Premier League.

They fired boss Iain Dowie a week ago, before losing their first game under new coach Les Reed, 2-0 away at Reading.

"It is difficult times at the moment," Gibbs confirmed. "But everybody is coming back from injury, and hopefully, we will all keep the mentality up and keep working. We'll see, but we should be alright."

The Addicks will play host to Tim Howard and Everton on Saturday.