Charlton Athletic chief enjoying working with a fitter and sharper Aiden McGeady

Aiden McGeady has returned to Charlton Athletic in superior condition post-lockdown.

That is the verdict of Addicks manager Lee Bowyer, who snapped up the 34-year-old playmaker on loan from Sunderland at the end of January.

McGeady had been frozen out of the first-team picture at the League One club after failing to hit if off with boss Phil Parkinson.

The former Everton and Spartak Moscow winger has featured six times in the Championship for the Addicks.

“He’s come back and he’s in better shape when we finished lockdown,” said Bowyer.

“We got him in January and physically he didn’t really look up to speed. He’s worked really hard and bought into what I want.

“He’s definitely a player who can make something happen out of nothing.

“In the couple of behind-closed-doors matches he was probably one of our brightest sparks that could make something happen in the final third.

“He’s worked hard, like everyone else has on the pitch. That’s not Aidy’s strength – his strength is giving him the ball in the final third. But he’s worked hard for the team and bought into it. People will think ‘how you got him to do that?’

“He has bought into it and worked hard, which is all we can for off him.”

McGeady exclusively spoke to the South London Press in February about his fall from favour at the Stadium of Light.

“There was nothing more or nothing less than me and the manager not seeing eye to eye,” said McGeady.

“If I didn’t have any hunger and didn’t want to play football then I’d still be sitting at Sunderland because I have a year and a half left on my contract.

“But I want to play football as long as I can. It is a short career and you’re a long time retired. I still feel I can effect games and have got enough about me.”

PHOTOS BY PAUL EDWARDS