When I arrived at Charlton in the summer, I could never have expected to be leading the team out in only my third game for the club.

That’s what happened against Oldham Athletic last Saturday, though, and it was a real privilege and honour.

I know the gaffer gave an interview a few days earlier saying he was not going to tell the press who his captain would be, in the absence of Christian Dailly, until he’d told the players, so I was excited when he called me out.

It’s a massive honour and something I didn’t dream of doing so early in my career, although I know it’s only for one game. Everybody knows Christian is the man to lead the team but we should have 11 leaders out there, regardless.

It’s been a hectic few weeks since the season started. We’ve played four games and are unbeaten in the league despite a disappointing draw against Oldham.

On a personal level, I’ve also scored my first goal for the club, against Leyton Orient and I hope that kind of return can continue during the season.

We didn’t play the kind of football that we wanted to against Oldham but we’ve got seven or eight new players and still gelling as a team. Things are looking good in training and it’s just a case of translating that onto the pitch.

I did a few press interviews after Saturday’s match and one of the questions I was asked was whether I compare myself to the likes of Mark Kinsella and Matt Holland, two really good former Charlton central midfielders.

I said it was a bit early for those kinds of comparisons. They both earned international caps and had superb careers, especially for Charlton and the Republic of Ireland and if I can reach that level, it would be great.

That’s a long way off, though. I’ve just to keep working hard and concentrate on winning games with Charlton. Ever since I was a kid it’s been drilled into me to work hard, so that’s my aim in life.

Seven points out of the first nine is a good start and we are looking to add to that at Huddersfield. Playing for Southend, I was beaten at The Galpharm Stadium last season and the Terriers are fancied for promotion, so it will be a tough game.