Lyle Taylor could’ve been lining up in the red of white of Sunderland this weekend had it not been for Lee Bowyer.

The Black Cats were reportedly close to signing the forward from AFC Wimbledon at the start of the season before Bowyer persuaded him his future lied at The Valley.

With 25-goals this season, Bowyer believes the 29-year-old made the right choice.

“I’m happy he’s on our side,” the Charlton boss said ahead of their League One play-off final on Sunday.

“But I think if you asked Lyle I think he’d agree he made the right decision.

“For me Lyle has achieved everything I promised he would and come the end of the season he’s a much better player than the player that arrived.

“He’s more an all-round player now, I’ve said this to him, and that’s down to him and hard work.

“If you ask him only he’ll know if he’s made the best decision coming here or going to Sunderland, but for me working with him, I like to think he made the right one.”

READ:

Charlton boss not looking at 1998 play-off win as fuel for Sunderland clash

READ:

Charlton's Bowyer on Vetokele injury ahead of Sunderland Wembley clash

READ:

Wembley a perfect reward for Charlton fans says Bowyer