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Charlton: Lee Bowyer believes that Aiden McGeady will prove an astute addition
Charlton have suffered with injuries to several attacking players this season so it was important that Lee Bowyer reinforced his forward options in January.
He did exactly that with the addition of Andre Green, while the deadline day arrival of Aiden McGeady could also prove to be an astute addition. Indeed, the former Celtic player arrived on loan from Sunderland but his ability to play on either wing and in attacking midfield means he is a versatile option, a player Bowyer can call upon for a variety of reasons.
Jonathan Leko has been out for some time while Jonny Williams and Erhun Oztumer have also proved unreliable with 11 and seven starts respectively, meaning McGeady could have a significant role to play from now until the end of the season. McGeady had been an important player for the Black Cats, contributing six goals and two assists this term, but he was deemed to be a negative influence by manager Phil Parkinson and subsequently made available for transfer and banished to the under 23 squad.
However, Bowyer is not deterred by that action, and has the utmost faith in the 33-year-old to deliver for the Addicks. As reported by South London Press, he said:
“I had no doubts. Whatever happens at other clubs is nothing to do with what is going to happen at our club. He was one of the best players in League One last season.
“He scores goals and gets assists and can just make something happen out of nothing. He’ll be a good addition to our squad and he’ll bring us something a little different to what we’ve got. He can play out wide or he can play as a 10.”
It will be interesting to see how the arrival of McGeady impacts Charlton. There is little doubt that his removal from the first-team squad coincided with an upturn in form, as the north-east outfit recently enjoyed a nine-match unbeaten run, but he also possesses quality, too.
As well as six-goal contributions, he has also managed 1.4 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game this term, and though he is making a step up in level he could still serve the Addicks well, particularly as he has the confidence of his manager and has previously played at a high level. In fact, even during a miserable campaign in the second tier for Sunderland back in 2017/18, he averaged more shots per game (2.2, via WhoScored), more dribbles (2.3) and more key passes than anyone in the Charlton squad is right now.
Charlton fans, do you trust that your manager has made the right call in bringing McGeady to the club, or will it backfire? Feel free to give your opinion below…
