Lee Bowyer says this weekend’s visit of Barnsley will be the toughest test of the season so far.

With two successive league defeats before the two-week international break Charlton will be looking to get back to their early season winning ways against a side that has lost only one game this term.

“They’ll be up there. I’ve said that from the start," said Bowyer.

“They’re a good side. They scored four away to Peterborough, three against Luton last weekend. I’ve watched those two games, they’re good in possession. Their movement is good and their rotation. The difference with them is that they are ruthless in front of goal. When they get a chance, they take it.

“They’re a Championship side that have come down, they lost one or two from their squad but mainly kept their side.”

The Addicks boss will be hoping his side can continue their own ruthless streak they showed in front of goal in the record 8-0 victory over Stevenage in the Football League Trophy last week.

"I have to say, it’s the best game I’ve seen live. No disrespect to Stevenage but they couldn't get near us. It shows how well the squad are playing and how far we’ve come with possession of the ball. The amount of times we kept the ball for, I don't know how many passes, and went from back to front was unbelievable.

“They played really well and it's the best game I’ve seen live and I told them that after the game."

Toby Stevenson scored a hat-trick on debut that evening and Bowyer said he deserved all the praise he got for it.

"To get the match ball on your first game ever, playing at left wing back is some achievement. Not many out there have done that.”