Lee Bowyer has revealed the key area he feels he needs to strengthen once the season is complete, as reported by the South London Press and Mercury.

The Addicks face a play-off final against Sunderland this weekend with a place in the Championship at stake, but after that Bowyer will be plotting for a new season.

He's revealed that he'll need to bring in cover at left back, praising the impact of Ben Purrington, who joined on loan from Rotherham in the winter window.

“Ben has come in and done exceptionally well – he’s gone under the radar I think,” said Bowyer. “He has given us that natural balance and defensively he is very, very good."

He went on to reveal that there have been no discussions with Rotherham over the player's future. The Millers were relegated from the Championship, which might make Purrington an attractive prospect for them as they embark on life in League One.

"We haven’t had that discussion [over his future]. He is a Rotherham player and they might want to keep him themselves and then it is out of our hands anyway."

“It is a position we need to cover because Pagey [Lewis Page] has been in and out of it this season, he has missed more than he has played. So we definitely need cover, we won’t make that mistake again."

22-year-old Purrington began his career with Plymouth before moving to Rotherham. He enjoyed a loan spell with AFC Wimbledon at the beginning of the season, but later joined the Addicks for whom he made 18 League One starts.

The Verdict

If Charlton go up, then signing Ben Purrington would seem a natural thing to do.

He certainly had an impact in the Addicks defence, as Bowyer said he added balance and gave them a more natural width in that area.

There will be no shortage of players out of contract and looking for a move though, which Bowyer might have to consider should his side not manage to get past Sunderland at the weekend.