Lee Bowyer reveals the big improvement Aiden McGeady has made since swapping Sunderland for Charlton

The winger – who joined the Addicks on a half-season loan deal in January – was in and out of Bowyer’s side prior to the suspension of football in March.

But he looks set to be a key man for Charlton in their battle to avoid the drop now second tier fixtures have resumed, and shone in his temporary side’s 1-0 win over Hull City on Saturday.

And Bowyer was keen to praise the 34-year-old for his hard work during the three-month hiatus – saying he is now ‘so much fitter’ than the player who arrived at The Valley in January.

Speaking to London News Online, the Charlton chief said: “Aiden McGeady, the same [has also worked hard on his fitness].

“So much fitter than the player we got in January. And he looked good.

“He’s a threat. Whenever you get the ball in and around the eighteen, he could cause something.”

McGeady will be eligible for all of Charlton’s remaining Championship fixtures after a loan extension was agreed with Sunderland.

A Charlton statement, released on Friday evening, said: “It had already been confirmed that Josh Cullen and Sam Field have had their loan deals extended until the end of the 2019/20 campaign to assure their availability for Lee Bowyer’s side past June 30th and they have been joined by a number of other players in making themselves available.

“Naby Sarr, Jonny Williams, Adam Matthews, Tomer Hemed, Jake Forster-Caskey, Lewis Page, Ben Amos, Albie Morgan and Josh Davison were all due to see their current deals expire at the end of June, but will continue to be available throughout July, while loanees Andre Green, Aiden McGeady and Matt Smith have all extended their loans from their parent clubs until the end of the campaign.”

Director of Football, Steve Gallen, said: "It has been a surreal few months with a lot of challenges but I'm very pleased we've been able to get everything sorted ahead of tomorrow's restart. The squad is looking good and the players are excited to be getting back on the pitch."