Jason Pearce returned to captain the Charlton side this week as they beat Wycombe 1-0, scoring the goal that kept the automatic promotion hopes alive.

Pearce has had to bide his time after injury, but finally dislodged giant Frenchman Naby Sarr from the first team line up. Sarr, who has formed a strong partnership with Patrick Bauer, has every right to feel aggrieved at being dropped, something Pearce is well aware of.

“I got injured, Naby gets his opportunity and he’s taken it," he told the South London Press. "I’m one of them, I’m honest to myself, I’m honest as a person, he doesn’t deserve to be dropped. Obviously, I want to play, it’s frustrating, but it’s a team game and he’s done well.

"I support him and Pat (Bauer) all the time. I was pleased to get a start. Naby has been playing and he’s been doing really well so I’ve had to wait for my opportunity."

The central defender also paid tribute to his teammates, who performed admirably in the face of strong Wycombe aggression on Tuesday to come away with all three points.

"We knew what they were about. They’re fighting for their lives at the bottom. We knew it would be a tough game. All the lads gave everything. I was fortunate enough to pop up with a goal and it was the winner in the end. I’m delighted."

The win takes Charlton to within touching distance of the top two, although with teams above them having games in hand and a points advantage, it may be one step too far to break out of the play-off spots this time around.

The Verdict

Naby Sarr has been desperately unlucky.

He's a big, powerful presence at the back and he's been incredible at times.

That doesn't mean he won't be dropped though and as Pearce proves, it was the right decision this time out. It's a big positive for Lee Bowyer that he has such a rich array of talent to draw from at the back.