Charlton starlet Karoy Anderson admits breakthrough season has surpassed even his own expectations

Charlton starlet Karoy Anderson admits his breakthrough season has surpassed even his own expectations.

The Lewisham-born midfielder, 19, only made his senior debut on the opening day of the campaign but has now amassed 21 starts at League One level and is a mainstay in the side under new manager Nathan Jones.

The Addicks academy graduate, who has also featured for the Jamaican national side this term, has enjoyed the backing that Jones has given him.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said.

“As a young player, it’s what you want. When you have Nathan Jones and the staff behind me, always encouraging me and pushing me to be better and work harder every day in training and in games. Not to just take the last game and be happy with it. To always want to improve on it. It’s really encouraging and I’m really enjoying it.

“When I was looking in pre-season, I was just thinking that I can try and do my best and impress people. To have played as many games as I have so far was nothing I expected. I just take it in my stride and try to improve every day and every game.

“This is the best place for me to improve. Playing matches. Gaining some experience and seeing how the game works. It’s the best way to improve. To be in this environment every week is really good for me.”

Jones’ arrival has seen the South Londoners pull clear from the League One relegation battle to reach the all-important 50-point mark following Saturday’s 2-1 win over high-flying Barnsley.

Anderson added: “The feeling around the dressing room is that we can beat anyone as long as we’re on it and stick to the gameplan that [Jones] has put out and trust it. We feel like we can give anyone a really good game. That showed today.

“You look at Barnsley, they’re a good side in a play-off position. We’ve given them a game and beaten them.

“[Jones] has changed the dynamic around the place. We have a lot of confidence in what we’re doing.

“We had a slow start but now we have that feeling that we shouldn’t be losing games. We should always get a result out of a game. To go 11 unbeaten is really encouraging.

“We maintained high levels in our press and our passing (against Barnsley). Not only did that encourage the team but it also got the fans behind us. It felt like a great win and we definitely deserved it”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS