Lee Bowyer reckons Charlton Athletic’s Albie Morgan took a massive step forward during win over Fleetwood
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Charlton midfielder Albie Morgan impressed Lee Bowyer during the 3-2 home victory over Fleetwood Town.
The 20-year-old academy graduate made just his second league start of the campaign but battled well on the right of midfield against the Cod Army and also won the penalty that would see Conor Washington fire home the decisive goal early in the second-half.
Morgan has clear ability in possession but his boss felt he needed to improve his all-round game – he had been criticised by Bowyer for not tracking back previously and had been in and out of the side.
But he won plaudits for his display on Tuesday evening.
Bowyer said: “I’ve never doubted his ability. He’s working really hard and I gave him that opportunity because he’s earned it. He’s earned his opportunity and he’s grabbed it tonight. Not only was he good in possession, he was good out of possession. He was very disciplined.
“It’s tough playing out there [on the right of midfield]. I’ve played out there. You’re more focused on going forward but you’ve got to do a defensive job. That left-back is a good left-back, we know that from when he was at Doncaster.
“You’ve got to do the horrible side of the game and he did it very well. He got us the penalty and he didn’t really give the ball away. That’s important. Overall, I think Albie took a big step forward today.”
The Addicks manager was also enthused to see Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen take to the physical side of the game.
“Physically he took a few whacks but what pleased me most is that he gave a few back as well at the end,” explained Bowyer.
“That pleases me. I said the same last season with Conor Gallagher. He took a lot of whacks and then started whacking some people back. It’s part of the game. You can’t just let people keep take advantage. I spoke to him yesterday and I said ‘are you enjoying it?’ And he said ‘yes, it’s physical, to win you have to push and fight’ and I loved hearing him say that.
“Because we all know he’s a good player but if he’s enjoying that side of the game as well, it’s even better. You’ve got a young lad there that’s 18 and you saw him tonight, he’s fighting for everything. He means it. It’s great to have him on board, someone who is prepared to fight like that.”
PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS/ KYLE ANDREWS
I am both amazed and very pleased with this run that Charlton have gone on. It is enormous credit to Lee Bowyer and his staff to have moulded these new players into a force to be reckoned with. Wins over Pompey and a very confident and resilient Fleetwood in the last 2 fixtures, have made a big statement that this squad can realistically challenge for promotion this season. Well done to everyone !