“The best young centre-back in the country – he will play Premier League” – Charlton boss Karl Robinson

Ezri Konsa has been told to believe in his talent – with Charlton manager Karl Robinson labelling the 19-year-old as the best young centre-back in the country.

The England under-20 international is expected to be the subject of transfer interest in the January transfer window.

And Konsa got another 90 minutes under his belt in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Rochdale.

Robinson said: “I had a bit of a go at him at half-time.

“He’s the best in the league at stepping out. So he’s got to believe in that a bit more. He’s got to step out and he’s got to drive and take games by the scruff of the neck.

“He’s the best young centre-back in the country. There’s nobody at his age better than Ezri Konsa – fact.

“Everyone in the Premier League is looking at him. Stand up and show how good you are. Believe in your talent.

“Sometimes he is insular and it looks like he doesn’t care but he loves the game. He needs to really let that talent flourish. I know if he does he’ll be one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League. He will be a Premier League centre-back, so he needs to believe in himself.

“I’m harder on him than most but the ceiling for him is higher than most. I need to make sure he doesn’t drop below those standards.”