The future of striker Jamie Ward is set to be decided soon, with Charlton boss Lee Bowyer admitting that it is in the hands of his parent club, Nottingham Forest.

Ward has been on loan at the Valley, starting six games and scoring once as they've climbed to fourth in the table. A play off spot looks likely, but whether the 32-year-old plays any further part in that success remains to be seen.

His loan spell is due to run out on New Year's Day and as yet there's been no indication from Forest whether he's going to be recalled, or whether he can remain in South London to help finish the job they've started.

“He has got to go back (to Forest), for sure,” Bowyer told the South London Press and Mercury. "It just depends what Forest want again and what Jamie wants.

“It is a difficult one. He has done well for us but we just don’t know what Forest are going to want for him."

The forward, capped 34 times by Northern Ireland, has spent three spells away from the City Ground on loan, once with Burton Albion in 2016/17 and again with Cardiff last season.

He courted controversy when joining Forest, coming from bitter rivals Derby County. He's played 62 times for them, scoring five goals.

The Verdict

Surely, Forest don't need him back. He's old news there and if the truth is told, he's never truly settled since joining from Derby.

Charlton haven't exactly used him regularly either, he's had impact but it's been limited. He's started 25% of their matches and won't be seen as critical to the future.

Thoughts? Let us know!