Karel Fraeye underlined Johnnie Jackson’s importance after his headed goal helped the Addicks climb out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win at Birmingham.

Jackson’s 61st minute bullet header - and 50th goal for the club - made it back-to-back wins for the South Londoners.

The away victory was Charlton’s first in the league since the 3-0 win at Blackpool on March 17.

Fraeye said: “We know if Jackson has space in the box and gets the right ball - he will score.

“I have a very good relationship with Jacko and we really appreciate each other.

“Since day one, I started working with him because I know he’s very important for the team and young players.

“I’m very pleased that in his fifth game, he scored his third goal - that makes him our top goalscorer this season.”

Birmingham could have snatched a goal right at the death but substitute Reece Brown’s shot curled inches wide.

The latest Charlton academy product Ademola Lookman, 18, was given a first league start and had two good chances to score as the Blues’ defence could not deal with his raw pace.

Another youngster who shone was emergency right-back Tareiq Holmes-Dennis - it was his clipped cross that allowed Jackson to head home.

Fraeye went on to praise the attitude of his young guns.

He added: “I always had confidence playing Tareiq [Holmes-Dennis] on the right because his performance against Sheffield Wednesday convinced me that I could start him.

“We didn't want to risk Chris Solly.

“We tried to put players on the pitch who have the freshest legs and biggest desire and Lookman is 18 and Tareiq is 20 but they showed quality in training and I knew they'd bring it to the game.

“I even look at the bench and there is desire there as well - they all want to play for the team.

“If a team has confidence, which we are building, then it’s easier for young players like Ademola Lookman to perform.”

After going 1-0 up, Charlton could have doubled their lead as debutant Ricardo Vaz Te failed to connect with another blinding Holmes-Dennis cross.

Charlton host Ipswich at home next week and there is talk of another planned protest but Fraeye admitted he cannot sway the thoughts of the fans.

He said: “I don’t know about the protests.

“But I do know that everyday there’s a good vibe at the training ground.

“We work very, very hard and we know results in the Championship never come easily.

“I can’t influence the thoughts of the other fans.”