Lee Bowyer provides update on Charlton Athletic new boys ahead of Brentford match
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Lee Bowyer has played down the chances of Tomer Hemed or Beram Kayal featuring for Charlton in Saturday’s home game against Brentford.
The duo both joined from Brighton & Hove Albion although striker Hemed – who has signed a one-year contract – only saw his switch cleared by the EFL earlier this week.
Kayal had a slight knock when he completed his season-long loan switch to SE7.
Bowyer sprang a surprise in midweek when he started Erhun Oztumer against Forest, previously claiming the former Bolton man was behind in terms of fitness.
Asked about Kayal and Hemed, Bowyer told the South London Press: “I’ll look at them today. They are just a little bit behind in fitness. They’ve been with Brighton and not played many minutes – it’s just a case of seeing where they are fitness wise.
“I don’t really want to rush them to get them through. But they are available – because they are training. I don’t know yet if they will be involved.”
Oztumer was a surprise inclusion on Wednesday night.
“It was because I couldn’t take the risk with Jonny Williams, because of his past,” said Bowyer.
“So I literally said to Erhun: ‘Just give me an hour’. That’s all I wanted from him, because he hasn’t really played. He looked good in training and although it was only small-sided stuff I thought ‘that’s all I need you to do – just be good in possession’. And he was excellent.
“But regarding the other two it is a bit different because everybody is flying in their position. I just want them to be ready when they do come in.”
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Great first half performance, as LB said, the best 54 mins he has seen us play. Young players did look a bit tired 2nd half, but still a valuable point and with a little more luck in the 1st half, game could have been dead and buried at half time. My only criticism is that I was always told you never make subs when defending a corner. We made 2 and Forest equalised !! Surprised at that decision !!. Still a good result, now move onto Brentford Saturday.