Charlton boss Lee Bowyer on Erhun Oztumer’s impressive debut and being able to rotate his squad against Nottingham Forest

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

His inclusion in the starting line was unexpected – but Erhun Oztumer wowed supporters with an impressive display on his Charlton debut.

Lee Bowyer had said that the 28-year-old midfielder was a few weeks away from match fitness over the weekend but he started Wednesday evening’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at The Valley.

“He’s not fully-fit,” explained the Addicks boss.

“You could tell that. I had to bring him off, he was dying. That was after only sixty minutes we brought him off. He’s so good with the ball. His vision, his awareness. We’ve got a bit of everything. He worked hard out of possession and won the ball back a few times. He’s a good player to have in our squad.”

The South Londoners are still unbeaten after four games on their return to Championship football – and Bowyer was pleased he was able to make the most of his squad by rotating the side from Saturday’s draw with Barnsley.

“I made four changes from Saturday and they were all outstanding,” he added.

“Naby Sarr, outstanding. Sam Field, outstanding in front of the back-four. He tired, obviously. And Ozzy was very good as well.

“I’ve got to use the squad wisely. I believe in every single player that we’ve brought in. Jonny Williams has been outstanding. Darren Pratley has been outstanding. Jason Pearce has been outstanding. But why would I risk Jonny Williams? Saturday was the first time he’d played ninety minutes for us. Why would I then risk him Wednesday, maybe get injured and then be out for three weeks. He’ll come back in on Saturday, 100%. Did I make the right decision, I believe so.

“Ozzy didn’t let us down, he brought us something different. Now Jonny will be flying on Saturday. Perfect.”