Nicky Ajose was left out of Charlton’s matchday squad in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Shrewsbury, despite being fully fit.

The striker has struggled for first-team minutes due to the form of prolific duo Lyle Taylor and Karlan Grant this season. 

And he was not missed at New Meadow as goals from Taylor, Darren Pratley and Grant closed the gap on the top-two to three points.

When asked why he was omitted from the squad, Charlton boss Lee Bowyer told News Shopper: “He just wasn't selected. 

“We've brought a couple of players in now and we’ve got players coming back from injury, George [Lapslie] came back. 

“So there just wasn't room for him.”

Charlton dominated the second-half against Shrewsbury and would have scored more if Grant had been ruthless in front of goal. 

Shrewsbury were unbeaten in their last 10 home games before the Addicks’ arrival, which made the victory even more impressive. 

Bowyer added: “It just shows we’re a very good side. When we do the nasty side of things properly, then what we have going forward, we are always going to hurt teams. 

“It was a bobbly pitch and we passed it really well in the second-half. We carved them open on a number of occasions. 

“It’s a difficult place to come, the lads did well, they worked hard. Like I said, it was a professional performance. The players deserved to win.”