Charlton boss Lee Bowyer praises goalscorer Conor Washington’s hard work at Crewe – and reveals why Charlie Barker was played at right-back
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Lee Bowyer says that hard work had paid off as Conor Washington marked his return to English football with a goal on his Charlton debut.
The striker joined from Scottish side Heart of Midlothian in the summer – where he bagged three league goals in the 2019-20 Scottish Premiership season.
He added Charlton’s second in the 2-0 win at Crewe Alexandra on the opening day of the League One season, latching on to Deji Oshilaja’s flick-on to poke home.
“He deserved it,” said Bowyer.
“His work rate was really good. He got rewarded for his work rate. I’m pleased for Conor. The most important thing is that when you get a chance, you take it. That was the only chance he had and he took it. I’m really pleased for him.”
Charlie Barker, 17, also impressed once more, as he was asked to fill in at right-back after playing well at centre-half in the Addicks last two outings in cup competitions.
Bowyer added: “Charlie did really well. It’s a gamble playing a kid in a real game. In my eyes, this was the first real game he played in, a league game. I didn’t want to play him at centre-half, I didn’t think it would be fair against the big fella.
“But I know how well he has defended when he’s played so I thought let’s try you out there. We could have changed shape if we needed to with the players that we’ve started with but the players did really well.”
PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS/ SEAN GOSLING