When Darren Pratley played in the middle of a back three in the record 8-0 win at Stevenage earlier this month people thought it would be a one off for the midfielder.

Now, following a fine display as one half of a centre back pairing against Oxford on Tuesday, Lee Bowyer says he could play the 33-year-old at the back more regularly.

“I think he could nick another two-three years playing there,” said Bowyer.

“He’s an experienced player, reads the game well. You get more time on the ball there. He puts his body on the line and blocks stuff. He’s good in the air, not slow.

“If I was him I’d consider making it an option to drop back there.”

Charlton have suffered with injuries early on this season so Bowyer is aware of the need for cover across the pitch, and having the option to use Pratley is a boost, despite admitting his qualities are needed in midfield.

“He’s important in the middle of the park because he wins you the ball back and he competes and fights.

“It’s an option for himself then it might be in a couple of years’ time dropping back into centre half and he can easily do it and he showed that on Tuesday.”

Pratley, who had never played centre back before Bowyer’s intervention, gained much praise for his performance in the controversial 1-1 draw with Oxford, and the Addicks manager was at the forefront of applauding the former Swansea and Bolton man.

“I thought he was outstanding (against Oxford). He’d never played there before.

“After the game, I said in front of everybody ‘You were outstanding. For someone who has never played centre half in a back four before, you have to give yourself some credit’.”

Charlton currently sit 11th and travel to 17th placed Rochdale on Saturday.