Though still only 18 himself, the holding midfielder will be one of the senior members of Brian Barry-Murphy’s squad this season.
Having played his part in helping the EDS secure a second successive PL2 title success last term, Charles then went on to win his first senior international caps in the summer, representing Northern Ireland in several UEFA Nations League games.
Now, he has been earmarked by Barry-Murphy to help use his experience and knowledge to mentor he several younger members of the squad who have been promoted to the EDS ranks this term.
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And, speaking ahead of Sunday’s Academy Stadium clash, he said it was a responsibility he was relishing as City look to build on last weekend’s superb opening day 3-0 win at Liverpool.
“I’ve played in the league before and there are quite a lot of younger players who have come up (from Under-18s level), so it’s just natural for me to step up and lead,” Charles said.
“I’m expecting a tough game, probably against an older side as we have quite a young team so it will be a tough game.
“Last season (when we beat Leicester 5-0 at home), we were able to break them down and Cole Palmer scored a hat-trick.
“But in the away game it was a bit different, they were a lot more compact and it ended goalless.
“There is a lot of confidence after Sunday. Everyone played well so there is no reason to think we shouldn’t do the same.”
Top scorers in PL2 for the past two seasons, our three-goal salvo at Liverpool was another encouraging sign of the potency of our strike force.
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And for Charles, he says whatever the challenge posed by the opposition he believes City have the tools to find a solution
“There’s always a way out,” the midfielder added. “If we’re not able to play through them we can always go over the top.
“Our front three is very quick so there are no worries really.”
