I wish Yann Kermorgant could play against Leicester City every week, says Charlton boss Chris Powell

Charlton manager Chris Powell said he would have to convince striker Yann Kermorgant that he was playing Leicester City every week to get the best out of him.

Former City player-coach Powell admitted he did not need to motivate the French striker for Tuesday night's 2-1 Championship win, in which Kermorgant scored Charlton's opening goal.

Kermorgant was returning to the King Power Stadium for the first time since leaving City under a cloud following the reaction to his penalty miss in the play-off semi-final shoot-out in Cardiff nearly three years ago.

He was cast as the villain after trying a chip penalty which did not come off, and Powell said his striker was determined to prove a point, but praised him for a muted celebration on Tuesday which did not inflame the situation.

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"No, I didn't have to motivate him," said Powell. "I played it down with him.

"I had a one-on-one chat with him the day before the game and said it was a long time ago.

"I know people will bring it up but I thought on the night he was immense.

"He led the line very well up front on his own. He won numerous headers and took his goal very well.

"He played the game I would like from him every week. I will have to tell him we are playing Leicester before every game, because he has two goals from two games this season against them, which is pleasing for him.

"It was a long time ago and I think he and myself feel it was an experience he went through, you learn from it and you move on. He has certainly done that.

"He said to me that if he scored he wouldn't over-react, which I thought was quite noble of him because I think most people would run around the ground five or six times.

"I think that shows the measure of him. He was trying to play it down. I don't think there was too much booing.

"People have perhaps accepted it is time to move on. He has certainly done that and so have we."

Powell was given his first opportunity as a coach by City boss Nigel Pearson, and he admitted he did not know what emotion to feel after completing the double over the man he sees as his mentor. But he believes his former club will still make the play-offs at least.

"I am a bit muted," said Powell after his side's 2-1 victory.

"I have done the double over Leicester and my mentor, and I don't know how to feel. I am pleased for my club and my group of players."

Powell added: "Sides like Leicester have players with quality who have the ability at the vital moments to produce something that can make the difference.

"Chris Wood, a million-pound-plus player, takes the chance when it comes along.

"You think, 'well, is that going to be the goal that leads to a win for Leicester?' But then Danny Haynes came on and scored the winning goal.

"Leicester will be in the shake-up because I feel they have a good enough squad and manager to certainly make the transition and the jump to the Premier League."