Lee Bowyer believes Charlton’s heavy 4-0 defeat could be the wake-up call they need in their fight to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Karlan Grant, who began his career with the Addicks, put the hosts in front following a defensive error before substitute Steve Mounie doubled their lead.

Charlton enjoyed spells where they looked like scoring but conceded twice in added time, through Grant again and a Juninho Bacuna stunner, to leave the John Smith’s Stadium empty-handed.

The loss means they remain two points above the drop zone, and their misery will be compounded further if 22nd-placed Middlesbrough win at home to Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

READ: 'I take full responsibility': Bowyer on Huddersfield defeat

Bowyer said: “Maybe that's what they needed, something like that, to give them a kick up the back side, because we can't perform like that and defend like that between now and the end of the season.

“If we do then we won't be in this league next year.

“Hopefully [this defeat] is what does it because that's not acceptable, to lose by four. Okay, two [goals] in injury time but that's not what we're about.

“We have to keep working hard, stick together, and keep fighting for every point.”

Following a tough week, which included losing 1-0 in injury time to Sheffield Wednesday, comes another big test in the form of Middlesbrough at home.

Boro, who are managed by Bowyer’s former Leeds United team-mate Jonathan Woodgate, could start next weekend above Charlton but the Addicks boss takes relief in the fact that his side are at The Valley.

He added: “The positive thing that we can take is that our next one is at home.

“[We had] two tough away fixtures, you know. Sheffield Wednesday are a good side, obviously, and Huddersfield were in the Premier League last year.

“They had an extra 24 hours' rest than us. They played Tuesday, we played Wednesday, so there were a few things.

“But now we've got a full week and it makes the Middlesbrough game even bigger.”