Charlton youth academy manager Steve Gritt has backed Jonjo Shevley to enjoy a successful career.

The 16-year-old midfielder became the Addicks' youngest-ever player when he lined up against Barnsley last month and his rise to prominence provided a major plus point on an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Gritt told the club's official website: "I think he's already shown he's ready. His performances against Barnsley and Coventry showed a certain maturity in his play and showed he can cope with the step up.

"Whether he can cope with it on a week-to-week basis at such a young and tender age is entirely up to the club and to the management.

"We may need to protect him at times and I'm sure Alan Pardew will do that when he feels the time is right.

"Jonjo's still developing and still growing, but we think we've got a good player there and one that can hopefully get us back to the Premier League."