Lewis Page has trodden a path that many young players seem to have done before him.

He’s graduated from the West Ham academy but, after failing to make the grade with the Hammers, has made a name for himself elsewhere in the London area.

He secured a move to Charlton Athletic who seem to have been something of a sounding board for the Hammers’ young talent. Josh Cullen is there now and the proximity of the clubs means less upheaval for young loanees.

He did well too, at first. He began the season as the first choice left back at the Valley and showed enough promise to suggest he could easily hold his own at the level above.

Then, five minutes into a game with Scunthorpe in October, disaster struck. He went off with a groin injury and has been ruled out ever since.

He’s approaching fitness now, making an appearance on the bench as an unused sub against Gillingham. However, during his time out he’s seen Ben Purrington join on loan and add real balance to the back four.

The Rotherham loanee has been outstanding as the Addicks have pushed for the play-offs and the young left-back must have been watching on partly pleased his club were doing well, but partly lamenting his own spell out of the side.

Lee Bowyer has hopefully settled some of the youngster’s nerves about a first-team return this week. Ahead of an Under 23 game in which Page will play, Bowyer has mentioned him in a press conference and stated he’s still in his thoughts.

That will give Page the impetus he needs to kick on and get his first team slot back. Purrington is only at the Valley on a temporary basis and whilst Bowyer won’t want to be caught without a left back next season, it does open the door for the Enfield-born defender.

He’s got a lot of work to do, but when you’re given a glimmer of hope by the manager, it surely makes the focus even more intense. Whilst it’s clever management from Lee Bowyer, it will spur Lewis Page on and help him put his awful season behind him, once and for all.