Tariqe Fosu and Mark Marshall have both flattered to deceive this season according to Lee Bowyer.

The Charlton manager has been open with his assessment of the two wide men in recent months claiming they need to improve their game.

Both players have failed to hold down a regular starting berth in the Addicks XI this season, a challenge Bowyer is setting them.

“We haven’t got the same player as last season,” Bowyer said of 23-year-old Fosu.

“He hasn’t arrived yet, maybe on the odd game he’s done well, but he’s not done well consistently enough which is a shame because we need him.

“We need him to step up but at the moment it’s not happening for Tariq.”

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They haven't played well

Marshall, 31, who started in the 2-1 victory at Wimbledon before being replaced by Fosu, has also failed to catch the boss’ eye as he and his fellow wide-man compete for the same position it seems.

“At the moment I would say the pair of them haven’t done that well this season and that’s why they haven’t played much.

“When they’ve been given their chances they haven’t really produced in the final third, and that’s their job.

“They have to improve in the final third with the final ball, there has to be an impact and at the moment it’s not happening.

“The attacking players, not just Tariq and Mark, but Igor, Josh, you’re going to get a chance, you’ve just got to grab it and make something happen.

“Like Naby (Sarr), he got his chance and kept clean sheets, and kept his shirt.”

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It's not personal

One thing Bowyer does not question however is the commitment and desire the players are showing in their pursuit of getting a run of games for the Addicks.

“They give everything, they want to do well.

“Tariq, the same as Marshall, because we’ve done well without them, when they do come in they try too hard.

“They complicate things, that’s what I think Tariq and Marshall are doing at the minute.

“But they're both a big part of the squad.

“I’ve told them both, it’s not personal, that’s what you’re paid to do.”

Asked why he thinks Fosu’s form has been below that of last year Bowyer pointed to his hamstring injury at the back end of the season which kept him from a full pre-season training camp.

“I know when you miss an important part of pre-season it’s hard to catch up, and now that’s what he’s doing.”

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