Lee Bowyer was a huge reason why Josh Cullen opted to join Charlton on-loan in the summer the midfielder revealed.

A host of clubs chased the 22-year-old midfielder’s signature eight months ago, but having signed from West Ham for the season, Cullen has flourished under the manager.

The similarities between the pair are clear, Hammers' connections, same position, same determination, all of which were contributing factors in signing for The Addicks.

“Knowing I’d be working under Bows and being able to learn of someone who played a similar position to me was a big reason in me coming,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve picked up tips and bits of knowledge in training.

“If he sees anything he can see in me that needs for to improve on, or do easier, then he’s there to point it out.

“And I’m getting that advice from a player who played at the top level, so its definitely been beneficial working under him.”

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Cullen who was recently called up to Mick McCarthy’s Irish squad says that both Bowyer and Assistant Manager Johnnie Jackson are hugely contributing factors to his development since the start of the season.

“They’ve helped me day in day out,” he continued.

“It’s not so much improving one specific thing.

“If they see a simple thing like pulling into a position which might give you more time on the ball, or more space, they’ll say.

“They just keep giving me little pointers.”

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Cullen recently stated that when his loan comes to an end he wants to go back to West Ham and fight for a regular place in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad, until then however he’s fully committed to getting Charlton to the Championship, starting with a trip to Plymouth on Saturday.

“The focus is Plymouth this week, go there, get three points.

“Nothing is mathematically set in stone yet with regard to promotion.

“The focus has always been getting promotion this season and if we have to do that by playing an extra three games in the play-offs, that motivation is still there.

“Were looking to finish the season strongly and go up.”

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