“We’ve missed him” – Lee Bowyer on a welcome return to action for Jake Forster-Caskey
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Jake Forster-Caskey’s return to action gave Lee Bowyer a timely boost before Charlton’s 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic.
The former Brighton man had been impressing in the heart of the Addicks midfield this season and returned to the side at the DW Stadium as the South Londoners claimed a first win in five outings.
The 26-year-old had been on a run of 14 straight starts before his injury – but that came to a shuddering half after he was withdrawn during the first-half of the loss against Gillingham just over three weeks ago with a hamstring problem.
“We’ve missed him,” admitted Bowyer.
“Yesterday at the hotel I had a quick chat with him and said: ‘Look, you haven’t really been out that long and I need you to basically be where you were before you went out because you were very good and we ain’t got time for you to have a couple of games to get up to speed. I need you at it from the start.’
“He was. I thought he was excellent. We’ve missed him. Thankfully he’s come through that and he’s okay.
“Jake will [drive his teammates on]. If you do see your teammate running and fighting and pressing then it has a natural reaction. You have to go with him because if not you stand out like a sore thumb. He does have that impact. He’s been here since day one when I was here. He does have that aura in the dressing room. He has that respect. If you see someone like him doing it then others have to follow.”
PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS
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A welcome win and much needed. I am particularly pleased for Lee Bowyer !. At least the team fought hard and had to as there are no easy games in this division. However, I am particularly pleased with these 3 points, as it is going to be an extremely tough game at Oxford at the weekend. I am not over optimistic of Charlton getting a win, but, at the moment, a point would be nice to try and continue to build confidence in the team. I think that Bowyer’s philosophy re no longer talking about the pressure of finishing in the top 6, is a good one. Just take one game at a time and put 100% into trying to win it. Still 14 games to go and by last night’s results, with so many competing for a top 6 finish, not everyone can win every game. Keep under the radar and we may yet still be surprised !!