CHARLTON boss Nathan Jones has been impressed by former Saints youngster Thierry Small's early performances for the League One side.

Small, 19, joined the London club in February after his contract was mutually terminated at Southampton during the winter transfer window.

The full-back cost Saints an expected seven-figure compensation fee after his move from Everton in 2021.

Small rejected a professional contract at the Toffees to join Saints despite being given an FA Cup debut by Carlo Ancelotti at 16 years old.

He joined Charlton after just one senior appearance for Saints and several loan moves and appears to have found his feet at the Addicks under former boss Jones.

The former England youth international has penned a deal until the end of the season and Charlton have the option to extend his contract for an additional year.

Daily Echo: Thierry Small's contract was mutually terminated during the winter transfer windowThierry Small's contract was mutually terminated during the winter transfer window (Image: Stuart Martin)READ MORE: Saints defender Small mutually agrees contract termination three years after arrival

Small scored on his debut against Bolton, provided his first assist against Cheltenham and played 90 minutes on the weekend in a 3-2 win over Carlisle.

Asked if Charlton are likely to extend Small's contract, Jones told the South London Press: “What we won’t do is get rid of good players. We’ll protect good players – if Thierry falls into that then Thierry will be looked after.

“I’ve been really pleased (with his impact so far). Obviously, I know Thierry from Southampton. He had a bit of a tough time – a big-money move as a teenager when he came to Southampton.

"Sometimes you have a little bit of a plateau before you can go again. We hope that is it for Thierry. He is a great kid – a fantastic athlete. He needs some polishing around the edges – but so do most teenagers.

"We have to respect he is still very, very young. But I’ve been really pleased with him. Thierry is one of 20-odd players that have just given me everything and opened up their mentality.

"They have worked hard and had a great attitude every single day. That has made it a positive environment and is why we have been getting the performances we are."