Miles Leaburn is enjoying his battles with Championship defenders this season - but admits some of the after-effects have left him reaching for the painkillers.
The Charlton Athletic striker is top for aerial duels won in the Championship this season on 54, five clear of Lyndon Dykes (Millwall) and Christoph Klarer (Birmingham City).
Nathan Jones reckoned that Leaburn put in his best performance for Charlton in their 1-0 victory over Preston North End at the end of August.
The 22-year-old was left with a cut below his left eye in that match - Jones described the academy product as “outstanding” - but there were also bumps and bruises to go along with the laceration.
“I had two golf balls either side of my head from it getting headed,” Leaburn told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “It was a proper battle. I think the manager likes that sort of stuff.
“In the moment I enjoy it, giving it everything, but afterwards my head was pounding. I remember having to ask my girlfriend for paracetamol. It is enjoyable, especially in games you win, because you can see it has had an impact.”
Leaburn is six-feet six-inches tall and one area where his size counts against him is opponents not being penalised for foul play.
