Charlton boss reveals that defender snubbed Swansea City interest in the summer
Lee Bowyer reckons Tom Lockyer has been one of Charlton’s most consistent performers this season.
The summer signing from Bristol Rovers has been rewarded for his displays with a return to the international fold with Wales.
Cardiff-born Lockyer, 24, also had interest from Swansea when he was a free agent following his exit from the Gas but Addicks boss Bowyer told him that a Valley move could kick on his career.
“He has been one of our most steady players – up there with Josh Cullen,” said Bowyer. “You know what you are getting – steady, solid and he won’t let you down.
“Swansea wanted him but it was about selling this club to him. I told him: ‘Come here and improve, everyone who comes to this club has improved. Trust in what we’re telling you, take it on board and you’ll get better’.
“The biggest challenges for him were the Wigan and Fulham games because he is not the biggest and he had the physical tests of Kieffer Moore and [Aleksandar[ Mitrovic. I know he is very comfortable in possession but he also came through the physical side flying as well.
“He and Jonny have both got back into the Wales team and they fully deserve it.”
PICTURE BY PAUL EDWARDS
I think he’s been our best player this season, don’t recall him having a bad game so far! Can see bigger clubs than Swansea being after him if he carries on like he has so far.