The 32-year-old striker recently signed a one-year deal with the Addicks after leaving Brighton, along with fellow Israeli international Beram Kayal.

Hemed told Y-Net,: "It became clear Brighton's new manager Graham Potter was looking for replacements for us.

"Once we understood that, we starting looking for alternatives. It worked out that we've both come together to the same club and that has made the move much easier and more fun."

The fact that after five games, Charlton are in third place in the Championship and challenging for promotion to the Premier League has been an unexpected surprise. "The team was not talking about promotion at the start of the season and suddenly people are thinking about it," said Hemed.

"If we see that we have a chance of reaching the playoffs we'll fight for it. From my personal point of view I'll be hoping to score and help the team."

Hemed hopes to be a part of Israel's crucial Euro 2020 qualifiers next week at home to North Macedonia (September 5) and away to Slovenia (September 9). "I missed the previous games through injury and the team has done a great job. I hope that we can carry on the good work."