Sky Sports pundit Danny Higginbotham has praised the “exceptional” Jordan Cousins.

The former Stoke defender worked for Sky on Sunday’s game against Middlesbrough and gave his man of the match award to the 22-year-old Addicks man.

Cousins has been captaining the side, in the absence of crocked trio Johnnie Jackson, Chris Solly and Stephen Henderson, for the past three games.

Higginbotham was impressed with the young footballer’s leadership skills.

He told News Shopper: “While Jose Riga got his tactics spot on, I thought Jordan Cousins was exceptional.

News Shopper:

Jordan Cousins

“I made him my man of the match because he was absolutely brilliant.

“He led by example and the rest of the players followed him.”

The ex-Manchester United player also discussed Charlton’s survival hopes and says the Boro win gives them a chance of a Great Escape.

The Addicks are five points from safety with nine games remaining - and travel to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.

Higginbotham added: “People look at the fixtures and say ‘you’ve got some tough games there’ but Charlton seem to do better against the higher-placed sides.

News Shopper:

Danny Higginbotham

“It was a good team performance against Middlesbrough and if they carry on like that then they have a chance of staying up because they have quality on the pitch.”