Charlton’s Conor Gallagher’s impressive start to the season has surprised everybody, including Chelsea.

The 19-year-old on-loan from the Premiership outfit was on target once again for the Addicks in their 2-2 draw at Fulham on Saturday.

Opening the scoring the midfielder took his tally for the season to five goals in ten games, a return that has impressed both his Charlton boss and those at Chelsea.

“Conor isn’t bad, not a bad player!” Bowyer said tongue in cheek.

“Has he surprised me? He’s scored five goals, one every two games, for a 19-year-old kid who’s never played men’s football before, he’ll surprise anyone!”

Gallagher arrived as an unknown quantity to The Valley in the summer, recruited by Steve Gallen who took a punt on Chelsea’s Youth Team Player of The Year last season.

Charlton are getting a reputation for nurturing and developing young talent at The Valley under Bowyer, with Joe Aribo, Josh Cullen, Anfernee Dijksteel and Krystien Beilik all success stories last year.

Youngsters Sam Field and Jonathan Leko also made the loan move to SE7 in the summer, but it’s been Gallagher who has shone brightest, with Chelsea officials impressed by his progress.

“I think he’s even surprised Chelsea,” Bowyer added.

“I don’t think they knew how far he could go so soon.

“They had people come in on Thursday.

“(Claude) Makelele (Chelsea’s Technical Mentor) came in to speak to us about the loan, how’s Conor, their thoughts on him and they’re delighted.

“Conor is a good player, one to watch in the future.”