‘I really like him’ – Charlton Athletic boss Jones pleased with centre-back prospect’s showing

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones is looking forward to working with young centre-back Zach Mitchell.

The 19-year-old defender played the closing stages of the 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

Mitchell, the younger brother of Millwall midfielder Billy, spent last season on loan at Colchester United, featuring 28 times.

He is out of contract next summer but the Addicks are thought to be keen to secure him on new terms.

“I really like him,” said Jones, when asked about Mitchell. “He’s versatile, he’s aggressive, he’s quick, he’s mobile, he’s brave – and that’s the type we want. You can do things with them.

“If we can’t go out and spend a million pound on a centre-half, stuff like that, then I like ones that we can really develop – who are blank canvases.

“Then it is about your coaching and what you do. I really like him.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD