Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BOWYER IS READY TO TAKE A SWING AT PRIDE WITH LED
GARY ROWETT hailed his Millwall “underdogs” as they closed in on the playoffs by denting Brentford’s own promotion hopes.
The fired-up Lions moved to within two points of the top six thanks to Aiden O’brien’s early winner.
Brentford crumbled when faced with a hostile
LEE BOWYER may be forced to play Joe Ledley against former club Derby tonight – even though he is a long way off match fitness.
The 32-year-old Welsh midfielder (left) spent two unhappy seasons at Pride Park and has played just 45 minutes since joining Charlton at the beginning of the month.
But Bowyer has THIRTEEN players in the treatment room and the rest of his small squad are desperate for a rest, meaning that Ledley could get the nod.
The Addicks boss said: “Joe is a bit off, fitness-wise and it’s tough for Joe. But he is another body we can have around.
“Look at our bench, there’s so much inexperience, so many kids. It’s tough.
“We have to inspire them, keep pushing them and make them believe how good they are.
“We have to bring in players in January. Darren Pratley needs a rest, Conor Gallagher needs a rest.
“Darren has not come to play every week, we want to use him here and there. Conor has not come here to play every week. It will be the same group – as there is no one else.”
Charlton claimed a first win in 12 games against Bristol City on Boxing Day but that took a lot out of them.
Bowyer added: “There are no easy games. It’s hard, we have to go to Derby and you’d think they should be up near the top six and we have to recover.”