SAINTS star Flynn Downes labelled the performances of teammate Shea Charles "a joke" and added: "I wish I was as good as him when I was 20."

Defensive midfielder Charles joined from Manchester City in the summer and was Jason Wilcox and Russell Martin's most expensive transfer. 

Costing around £12million to acquire, Northern Ireland international Charles, who turned 20 in November, is considered to have high potential.

Charles currently plays backup to the experienced Downes, 24, at the base of Martin's midfield - but the West Ham loanee backs the youngster to the hilt. 

Charles has made 23 Championship appearances, playing in multiple appearances and impressing again over 90 minutes in Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup win over Walsall.

Speaking to the Daily Echo about his young understudy, Downes exclaimed: "What a player he is.

Daily Echo: Flynn Downes has emerged as a leader under former boss Russell MartinFlynn Downes has emerged as a leader under former boss Russell Martin (Image: Stuart Martin)

"For how young he is, he is some player. He has been unbelievable when he has been playing. Coming off the bench as well he has been a joke.

"You forget how young he is, people don't realise he has just turned 20. I wish I was as good as him when I was 20."

Speaking to the Daily Echo last month, Charles said: "Having someone like Flynn play in your position so well makes him someone I can look up to.

"He has played this system before, too, so I see him as somebody to learn from more than anything."

Downes continued: "Shea has a fine future ahead. We will need the squad now too. The squad we have got is very good.

"Hopefully, Sam Edozie's injury is not too bad because he has also been an absolute joke lately, he will be a big miss." 

Edozie has been ruled out of January's fixtures by manager Martin but is expected to be available to play at the beginning of next month. 

Saints will also be without Joe Aribo, who has travelled to Nigeria to represent his country during the Africa Cup of Nations. 

It presents an opening in the midfield with Charles, Will Smallbone and Charly Alcaraz the most likely candidates to fill it. 

Saints are back in action with the visit of Danny Rohl's Sheffield Wednesday to St Mary's on Saturday, January 13.