Caretaker boss Lee Bowyer applauded Jason Pearce’s leadership qualities following Charlton’s crucial victory at Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old led from example at the back, winning every aerial dual and tackle that he went in for and, at the other end, he broke the deadlock with a powerful header.
And afterwards Bowyer was full of praise for Pearce’s match-winning performance and for the impact he has on the Addicks’ younger players.
“You need those experienced players,” Bowyer said. “I have been in teams when you’re young and you look to the older players to help you through times, especially when you are in a battle.
“You couldn’t have asked for a better player to look up to than Jason Pearce on Tuesday night because he is a leader and he will put his body on the line for you.
“Those young lads got a lot from him tonight and Pearcey will have looked at them and thought ‘you did the same as me’. All of the lads can trust each other.”
Supporters can watch Lee Bowyer’s post-Shrewsbury interview in full on Valley Pass