Andy Hughes penned a new one-year deal at The Valley on Wednesday. Hughes is a huge influence in the dressing room and has far more to offer than just his performances on the pitch.

A warrior on the field, he still has the passion of a teenager for the game. Prior to an Under-21 game he played in a few weeks back, one of his colleagues told me that Hughes made the team feel as though they were playing in the Champions League Final, such was his enthusiasm to win.

Hughes got involved with the Development sides on the coaching and sports science side during his recovery from injury. This involvement continued after he returned to the first team.

Hughes stated that he thought three or four of the youngsters could slot straight into the first team and singled out Bradley Jordan, Jordan Cousins and Joe Pigott for special mention.

Others, such as Michael Smith, Ade Azeez, Kevin Feely – called up to the Irish Under-21 squad on Wednesday – Semi Ajayi and Morgan Fox will also be hoping to make the breakthrough next season.