Josh Cullen returned to Charlton’s line-up for his side’s goalless draw with Fulham on Tuesday night, his first appearance since November.

A favourite of Lee Bowyer’s the midfielder has proved instrumental over the 18 months he’s been at The Valley, and Tuesday was no different.

On-loan from West Ham for a second successive season, the midfielder was at the peak of his powers before injuring ligaments in his ankle in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff last year.

In the 23-year-old’s absence, the Addicks have only won once, and although there has been a mountain of injuries at the club, the loss if the Irish international has been felt more than most.

If Darren Pratley is the enforcer of the Charlton midfield, then Cullen is the general, dictating play, composed on the ball, finding passes others can’t see, and keeping possession.

That’s not to say he’s not afraid of a tackle or two.

The midfielder is aware he isn’t back to his best yet, who would with just four training sessions under their belt, but many Charlton fans could already see the benefit of having Cullen back in the side.