Lee Bowyer: Charlton will make the play-offs – I’m sure of it

Charlton caretaker boss Lee Bowyer is certain that the Addicks will be in the play-offs comes the end of the season.

His side brushed Northampton Town aside 4-0 at Sixfields this afternoon thanks to goals from Ben Reeves, Tariqe Fosu (2) and Josh Magennis.

The result leaves the South Londoners just two points shy of the top-six, with a game in hand.

“I’m sure that we will be in the play-offs,” said Bowyer following his second win in two games in charge.

“I said to them if you perform like that as they have done in the last two games, I have no doubt. I had no doubt anyway as I know what squad of players I have there to look after. All it is is setting them out right, making sure they know what to do before the game and then I know that they will work hard and perform. They’re going to give the ball away and make mistakes, everybody does. It’s their reaction after that.”

“I’m just as proud as last Saturday. Another clean sheet. Perfect performance. I don’t think our keeper had a save to make. Four goals and it could have been a few more. I said to the lads that I’m proud of you. Everybody will look at the score but their work rate and togetherness means more to me. They’re in a good place at the moment and they need to stay there. I’m excited.

“You have to be on the front foot and impose yourself on the opposition and we’ve got the players to do so. I’ve encouraged them to work hard as a team and hunt in packs and it works. The best players in the world don’t like getting pressurised. It’s easy for me to say it but they lads have to do it and they have done.”