Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has suggested new signing Matt Smith can bring similar qualities to his side as former loan star Conor Gallagher.

The Addicks were dealt a heavy blow when Chelsea recalled Gallagher from his loan spell at The Valley in order to join Swansea until the end of the season, but Bowyer now thinks one of Charlton's newest signings has similar traits to the England U21 star.

Smith arrived at Charlton on transfer deadline day after his loan spell at fellow Championship side QPR was cut short by his parent club Manchester City, and the Premier League champions will be hoping Smith can increase his minutes under Bowyer.

The midfielder only made a total of 10 appearances during his time playing for Mark Warburton's side, but it seems Bowyer has pinpointed the Wales international for a more prominent role in his Charlton side for the rest of the campaign.

“In the beginning I don’t think we want to throw Matt in the deep end," Bowyer told London News Online.

"He seems a really quiet lad and it might take a little bit of time to settle in. But he’s a good player – he’s played for Wales.

“He’s got a lot of energy and he’s a bit like Conor [Gallagher] – he gives everything, runs around and works hard for the team."

Smith became one of Charlton's four January additions when he joined the South London club on deadline day as he joined Andre Green, Aiden McGeady and David Davis in linking up with Bowyer's side.

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The Verdict

Smith has received limited opportunities so far this season after failing to truly make the grade under Warburton at QPR, but it seems Bowyer really values Smith's qualities and the midfielder should expect much more playing time at The Valley.

It will be interesting to see whether Smith is able to get anywhere near the quality of Gallagher before his loan move was cut short, with the Chelsea youth star's performances having set a high bar for his potential replacement to meet.

Bowyer will have been delighted to recruit a player like Smith who boasts some similar traits to Gallagher, particularly seeing as the midfielder would have left a big void in the Addicks' side given the extent of his wide-ranging abilities.