Lee Bowyer has hailed Nicky Ajose as Charlton’s best finisher.
The Charlton striker scored his first Addicks goal of the season in the 1-0 win over Portsmouth last Saturday.
Ajose, 26, has been given a new lease of life by Bowyer after struggling for game-time under ex-Valley manager Karl Robinson.
He is competing with top scorer Josh Magennis, Michal Zyro and Stephy Mavididi for a starting place.
Charlton caretaker boss Bowyer told News Shopper: “To be honest, I didn't really work with Nicky before.
“I came in at the end of last season, he was on loan, I came in pre-season and he looked good. He’s our best natural finisher, but then he went on loan again.
“He came back in January and didn't really get a chance. But then I changed the formation and needed two strikers up top, and he’s a good finisher and that’s why he’s been playing.
“I’m over the moon he’s got a goal, I just wish it had come sooner because he’s been working hard.”
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Ajose’s work-rate had been questioned by Charlton fans before his revival under Bowyer.
And his impressive performances in the latter stages of the season have got supporters back on side.
Bowyer said: “Everyone has doubted Nicky’s out of possession work and his work-rate. But that’s something I spoke to Nicky about before I put him in when I took over.
“I said ‘I know what you can do in the box, no one’s ever doubted that, but it’s what you do out of possession for the team because it’s a team game. You have to work hard’.
“That’s what he’s done. When you work hard, you get rewarded - and he got rewarded with a goal against Portsmouth.
“I worked with him for the whole of pre-season and he looked good. But then he went on loan, so that’s football.
“He did look good and like I said, he’s a goal machine. If the ball falls to him, he’s going to score.
“But unfortunately for him and us, the ball just didn't fall for him in other games. His first chance was against Portsmouth.
“He never had a chance in front of goal before, even his goal at Portsmouth wasn't a clear-cut chance, but he finished it well. I was really pleased with him.”
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