With the international break over and domestic football taking precedent, the positive feeling around The Valley continued with a thumping 3-0 win over Derby County on Saturday.

Charlton’s boss Lee Bowyer watched from the stands as his side tore apart last season’s semi-final play-off side.

Macauley Bonne’s first half strike, his second in as many games, was followed up by a Naby Sarr header and a long-range Conor Gallagher worldy to lift the Addicks up to seventh in the Championship, just four off top-spot.

Following the victory the Addicks chief hailed his side’s display, singling out Gallagher for his remarkable contribution so far this season.

One thing Bowyer would’ve also noticed from up in the gantry was the effect of one other man on the sacred Valley turf on Saturday.

A man who seldom gets the plaudits he deserves.

A man who's often been described as the 'ultimate squad player.'

That man is Darren Pratley.

News Shopper: (PIC:Kyle Andrew Photography)(PIC:Kyle Andrew Photography)

Eye-brows were raised when he was offered a two-year deal last season but the signing has been a masterstroke.

People will look at the 34-years on the clock and dismiss the once Swansea and Bolton box-to-box midfielder as past it.

How far from the truth can that be?!

His goal in the semi-final second leg against Doncaster alone gave him folklore status around SE7, but his performances this season have been on another level.

Bowyer constantly bangs the Pratley-drum, stating the importance of the on-field experience he brings, something that may be crucial whilst the Addicks chief is in the stands for the next two fixtures.

His versatility too, seemingly slotting into the middle of a back three from midfield when required.

Then there’s the knowledge he can pass on to the younger crop in the Valley changing room, the George Lapslie’s and the Albie Morgans.

Pratley has been immense, and it seems those that have been at The Valley this season agree.

Here’s what they said after their 3-0 win over Derby.

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