Josh Magennis is playing a huge role in Charlton’s play-off charge.

The Addicks striker has had a hand in two of the three goals scored in crucial victories over Shrewsbury and Portsmouth. Now, Lee Bowyer’s men sit in fifth with two games to go.

Magennis, 27, was struggling for game-time after missing the win against Plymouth due to international duty last month.

But caretaker manager Bowyer started him for the first time at Shrewsbury six days ago - and it’s a decision that’s paying dividends.

Magennis, who was an ever-present under ex-Charlton boss Karl Robinson, told News Shopper: “The game before I went away with Northern Ireland, we played Fleetwood at home and I got substituted after 60 minutes.

“Maybe if I had stayed, I wouldn't have played against Plymouth because Bow was still there [as the assistant manager] so he would've had a word [with Robinson] on whether to bring me off or not.

“So it’s given me a bit of a rest, it’s got the hunger back, especially when you're playing in a team that’s creating chances. When you're winning, you want to be involved.

“It’s not that you don't feel involved when you're on the bench, but it’s a special feeling every Saturday going home and even more special scoring.

“It’s done me a wee bit of good [being on the bench]. My legs feel great after back-to-back 90 minutes. Now, we go Saturday-Saturday to finish off so we have two full weeks to prepare for the final two games.

“And then we’ll hopefully, God willing, be in the play-offs and then on to Wembley.”

Bowyer praised Magennis’ attitude and camaraderie during his time on the bench.

And despite temporarily being behind Nicky Ajose, Michal Zyro and Stephy Mavididi in the pecking order, the big target man never sulked.

He said: “I say it all the time, the squad we assembled is probably the best in the league on paper. It was just trying to get it across to the pitch, we’ve managed to do that of late.

“You can’t be a bad egg or a bad influence around the place, it’s just not acceptable. I wouldn't say I’m the most technically gifted [footballer] and I wouldn't say I’m the worst or the best, so I can’t drop it off Monday to Friday and expect to turn it on on Saturday. That’s not my mentality.

“You’ve got to prepare for the game in the right way. Normally I’d be preparing for a game on the Saturday, but that wasn't the case.

“So then it was my turn to try to help the lads that were playing. Whatever helps the cause. That wasn't just me, it’s been everyone who hasn't been playing.

“The atmosphere has been absolutely fantastic around the club. Everyone is pulling in one direction.

“There’s a bigger thing at stake here and that’s going to Wembley. So being left out, I just had to take that on the chin.”

Magennis was benched for five games before being given his chance to start.

And his time away from the starting XI is proving to be a blessing in disguise.

He scored to seal a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury and followed that up by assisting Ajose’s winning goal at Fratton Park on Saturday.

It was the first time the pair had started together since December 2016.

Magennis added: “It was very good. People say big man, small man syndrome. Nicky likes to play on that left-hand side, his game knowledge is very good so when the ball’s coming up to me or him, we linked up very well.

“We put Portsmouth’s back-four under pressure. It’s hard playing up there on your own as a one, you just have to do it for the team. But when you're playing as a two, it makes it a lot easier because defenders are concentrating on both of you instead of one of you.

“It’s great that I’ve been able to spark up a relationship with him in a crucial run-in. So, God willing, it continues into the Blackburn game because that’s going to be massive and then on to Rochdale.”

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