Ricky Holmes says Josh Magennis is being teased by Charlton players for not scoring a hat-trick for Northern Ireland on Friday.
Magennis netted twice in his country’s 3-0 win over San Marino and had the perfect opportunity to bag a first international hat-trick when Michael O’Neill’s side were awarded a penalty late on.
But the Charlton striker allowed Southampton midfielder Steven Davis to step up and score from the spot, something which shocked his club team-mates.
Addicks winger Holmes, who helped the south Londoners to a 4-3 victory against Oldham in Magennis’ absence on Saturday, said: “We’ve given him stick for not taking the penalty on the group chat.
“How has he not bullied Davis to get an international hat-trick? I remember last season, I’m going to drop him in it here, he was on penalties at Oxford and he turned round to Jacko [Johnnie Jackson] and was like ‘Jacko, you take it’.
Josh Magennis celebrates his first goal against San Marino | Picture: PA
“So I don't know if he’s got that confidence yet but listen, it’s great to get two goals for his country. He must be a hero back home.
“It was against San Marino and they're expected to win but you've still got to do it. Fair play to him.
“The more he scores for them, he’s going to come back in confidence for us and be a great asset for the club.”
Magennis is in fine form for club and country, scoring four goals in as many games.
Charlton did not sign a permanent striker in the summer transfer window, and it left some supporters disappointed.
But the Addicks have only failed to score in one match this season, a 2-0 defeat to Plymouth where Karl Robinson’s men hit the crossbar and had a shot cleared off the line.
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And Holmes is happy with Charlton’s striker options - Magennis and Rangers loanee Joe Dodoo.
He added: “I think fans want strikers - but we all chip in. All three of us [Holmes, Tariqe Fosu and Billy Clarke] scored against Oldham.
“We've got goals all over the team, Patrick Bauer and Jake Forster-Caskey are in the goals.
“So I don't think we need that 20-goal-a-season striker and by the looks of it, Josh is going to get those 20 goals for us anyway.
“I’m not too fussed that we haven't brought anyone in [permanently] and I don't think the fans should be because we’re sitting nicely in the league and we’re going well.”
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