Lee Bowyer has expressed his reasons as to why he started Naby Sarr over club captain Jason Pearce in Charlton's 1-0 victory Leeds on Saturday.

It was an impressive performance from the defender who helped the Addicks keep a very good clean sheet against one of the Championship promotion hopefuls.

They'll be hoping to build on this victory when they host Swansea on Wednesday night, a game that could see them rise even higher than their current sixth place.

It'll be a tough game at the Valley, against a side that has had a very similar start to themselves. It will be interesting to see if Sarr starts once more, or whether Pearce is reintroduced into the squad.

Speaking to London News Online, Bowyer said: “Thankfully it paid off. Once we went three at the back we seemed to get more possession as well because Naby and Tom [Lockyer] were stepping in. When they are crossing it we had more bodies in the box.

“I started with Naby because I knew we were going to go three at the back and he is more comfortable coming out with the ball. That’s what I said to Jason as well. I was honest with him, I’m always honest.

“He asked me the question: ‘Why am I not playing?’ He had done nothing wrong. But that’s why we have a squad, some games will suit certain players.”

The Verdict

I think this is a sign of really good management, he was able to talk to the player and explain exactly why he wasn't playing and how the different type of match suited the other centre-half better.

This meant that he could understand, and that honesty makes Bowyer a manager that could work right at the very top in the future. He's got excellent people skills and has trust in his own ability.

It'll be a tough game for Charlton on Wednesday, but one that if they win, people might start seriously considering them as promotion candidates.

[freshpress-poll ]