Charlton full-back Jay Dasilva admits it was difficult for him to be patient for first-team opportunities.

The Chelsea loanee returned to the Valley in the summer after his first loan spell last season, but he did not start for the Addicks for four months.

Although the 19-year-old had starred for both his parent club and the England under-17s in seasons prior, earning praise from Arsenal legend Ian Wright, he had to bide his time.

Dasilva said: “It was quite a tough moment for me, quite a tough period. But I just thought to stay patient, keep going, keep coming in everyday and training as well as I can, just waiting for my time. When I got the chance then I just took it.

“Towards the back end of the season I played a lot of games so I felt comfortable coming back here. I knew that I would play a lot of football here this year, so I think that was a big thing for me coming back definitely.

Asked about his first loan spell in SE7, he added: “I thought it was a good first loan. Obviously I would like to have played more, but it was a good learning curve for me and I have learned a lot from it and it was probably what I needed to be honest.”

The former Luton Town academy player is enjoying his time at the club this season and manager Karl Robinson has put his trust in him.

Since the beginning of the season, Dasilva has started all but two matches, with one being missed due to international duties and being benched for the win away to Bradford City for Naby Sarr.

For the time being, he says he is taking his time while Chelsea continue to watch him from a distance.

The defender added: “They have got a big loan programme at Chelsea, so someone usually comes to every home game pretty much to watch me and give me feedback.

“I think I am playing well, the team is playing well, so yeah I definitely think it is going well.”