Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has given his thoughts on Preston North End ahead of the sides' clash this weekend at The Valley.

The Lancashire club are flying high in the second tier table but Bowyer was keen to emphasise that his side are well aware of the threat posed by their opponents.

“Preston are a good side. The manager’s done a great job there," he told his pre-match press conference on Friday, reported by the club's official Twitter account.

"They’re sitting in second and deservedly so. They’re good in possession and out of possession and have players that will hurt you.”

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The Addicks will come into the clash at the Valley in high spirits nevertheless having stolen a late point against West Brom last time out to remain within two points of the top-six.

However, Alex Neil's North End will prove a tough opposition, currently sat in second place with 14 matches played, so the Addicks will need to be at their very best.

Bowyer also revealed on Friday that they will once again be without star striker Lyle Taylor for the match after he suffered a set-back in his recovery from a knee injury.

The verdict

Bowyer is absolutely right to show Neil's side plenty of respect heading into this one.

He has done an outstanding job at Deepdale, overseeing consistent improvement with each passing season, and it now looks like they are set to really challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

Having said that, Charlton will rightfully back themselves to beat anybody on their own patch this season so will undoubtedly be going out to win this one as well.