STROOD youngster Chris Solly has signed a professional contract for Charlton after just 12 months as a first year scholar with the club.

The deal comes as a reward for the 17-year-old former Rochester Math School pupil following a series of outstanding performances, especially in Charlton’s FA Youth Cup run, which took them to the quarter-finals.

Solly, a right-back, who was snapped up by the Addicks following his release by Arsenal, has already played at the new Wembley for the England Under-17s in the Victory Shield and was on international duty again last week in the elite round of qualification for the Under-17 European Championships in Tel Aviv.

“I was called in by the manager on Thursday morning and told of the club’s decision to give me a professional contract,” said Solly. “I’m surprised and delighted because I had another year to go as a scholar.”

His brother Matt, a midfielder, plays for Ryman League Chatham Town.

Manager Alan Pardew added: “We’ve offered a contract to Chris Solly and hopefully he will press for a first team place next year.

He’s done very well in the youth team.”

Solly joins another Kent youngster, Scott Wagstaff, from Maidstone, among the club’s new professionals.