Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has offered a glowing review of his current defensive unit ahead of this weekend's clash with Preston North End at The Valley.

Captain Jason Pearce, Tom Lockyer and Naby Sarr were at the forefront of his praise, with the former's selfless attitude singled out in particularly by Bowyer.

“Pearcey is our captain. He would jump in front of a bus if we asked him to," he told his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, reported by the club's official Twitter account.

"Naby is improving all the time and he’s getting better at the physical side. Lockyer has come in and done brilliantly."

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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

It is no shock that Bowyer thinks so highly of the trio because, well, they have all been absolutely excellent this season.

But I think Lockyer deserves more praise than the others. After Patrick Bauer left at the end of last season, it left a huge void in the centre of defence but the youngster has filled it with ease.

He is the picture of composure at the back and himself and Pearce have formed one of the division's most impressive defensive partnership and you would have to have him nailed down as a future club captain.