Bowyer 'will make quick decision'

Curbishley nurtured Bowyer's early talent

Lee Bowyer's passion for the game will force him into a quick decision over his future, according to the midfielder's former mentor Alan Curbishley.

The 24-year-old midfielder must decide whether to accept a club fine - imposed after he was cleared in court of an assault - or face a transfer.

Charlton boss Curbishley, who nurtured Bowyer's talent before selling him to Leeds in 1996, believes that all his former charge wanted was "to play football."

The Valley chief said: "He loves football so much - he loves the training, he loves playing - and to jeopardize that would be so foreign to him because of the way he loves the game.

I am sure we have got a sell-on deal on Bowyer

Alan Curbishley

"It is a double-edged thing at the moment.

"It must be so devastating and frustrating for him that he finds himself with these problems, because all he really wants is to play football.

"But things come along in life and you have to look at them head on.

"He has now got to try to take this on board and learn from it, because he obviously can't afford another misdemeanour."

Bowyer was 19 when Leeds made him the most expensive teenager in the country by giving Charlton £2.6m for his services.

Curbishley admitted his club could not afford the player, now 24, but he did reveal that the Addicks could make money out of any transfer.

Bowyer could net Charlton a windfall

"I don't think I could afford him in terms of the finances but if he ends up moving on we might get a little windfall.

"When we sold him as a 19-year-old he was the top teenager in the country, and his value must have gone up. I am sure we have got a sell-on deal on Bowyer."

Curbishley also revealed that Leeds were one of four Premiership sides interested in signing Bowyer back in 1996.

West Ham, Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday were the others - but of those only West Ham remain in the top flight now.