This is how Lee Bowyer rated Sunderland outcast Aiden McGeady's debut for Charlton Athletic

The 33-year-old missed the Addicks’ defeat at Stoke City through illness, but returned to the bench for the trip to Nottingham Forest.

And McGeady entered the fray early in the second half, replacing Ehrun Oztumer while helping Charlton to see out a vital 1-0 win at the City Ground.

He even came close to scoring with one of his first touches, sending a delicate dink just wide of the far post.

And Charlton boss Bowyer was pleased with his first showing after completing a deadline day switch from the Stadium of Light.

He told BBC London Sport: “Aidy did very well.

“That's what I want, competition for places. It'll make my job harder, but it makes our team better.”

And one player who could suffer as a result of that increased competition for places is former Sunderland midfielder Jonny Williams.

The Welsh international was rested for the win in the Midlands, with Bowyer keen to protect his ‘fragile’ body, but the Charlton boss hinted that Williams’ former Sunderland teammate may be getting the nod even more in the coming weeks.

Bowyer added: “Now I've got Aidy. Jonny - there's no point risking him. He's very fragile.

“I want to play Aidy, I want to give him a chance. I see him in training and he's very good.”

McGeady is set to return to the Stadium of Light at the end of the season.