His standing ovation at Doncaster Rovers was fully deserved says Lee Bowyer.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet for the Addicks since his January arrival, Josh Parker’s performance in the play-off semi-final first-leg 2-1 win at the Keepmoat Stadium has made fans appreciate his talents his manager has said.
Although Bowyer admitted he felt it was his best showing in a Charlton shirt since moving from Gillingham, the biggest compliment he gave the forward was that his withdrawal allowed Rovers back in the game.
“The reason they came into it is we lost our second striker,” he said.
“That enabled their full-backs to get higher, which is why they came into it.
“He’s getting better and better now so hopefully on Friday he can improve again.”
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Parker was substituted just after the hour with Charlton two goals to the good after Lyle Taylor and Joe Aribo struck in the first half.
His substitution was greeted with a standing ovation from the near 4,000 travelling Addicks who’d witnessed the selfless tracking, tackling and harrying that Bowyer has been said people don’t often notice.
“Fans, all they want is you to give 100% and work as hard as you possibly can.
“Every fan in every club in the country.
“I know that more than most because that’s what I did every game.
“The fans who gave him a standing ovation, which he deserved, they appreciate that and see the effort he put in.
“If he carries on doing that it’s a matter of time before he scores, again he was unlucky, but if you work hard you’ll be rewarded.”
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