BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss James Webster has sung the praises of youngster Charlie Durling.

The midfielder looked set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a nasty knee injury that required surgery.

However, he has made a rapid recovery and returned to action with the club’s first team last month.

Now, with the club in the thick of the Ryman League division north play-off race, he will be hoping to keep contributing between now and the end of the season.

Regent pulled off a sensational 1-0 victory at automatic promotion-chasers Harlow Town on Saturday and are now just four points behind fifth-placed AFC Hornchurch.

“Charlie’s a very good, honest player and he’ll only get better as he gets his match fitness back,” said Webster.

“He’s very calm on the ball and always looks like he’s got an extra couple of seconds.

“He’s always got time to get his head up and pick his pass and, for a young lad, his decision-making is very good.

“He also knows when to pass or cross or shoot and that shows real maturity.

“Where Charlie needs to improve is that he needs to bring his personality out more.

“He’s a quiet, shy and unassuming lad, but he needs to have a bit more personality out on the pitch.

“If he’s going to dictate games in that number four role he has to demand the ball more.

“It’s not his natural character but I’ll keep drumming it into him that he’s good enough to be out on that pitch – he has to believe in himself.

“He trains hard and wants to achieve something.

“He’s got a good attitude and he’s done amazingly well to come back so quickly because we didn’t think he’d play again this season.

“For a young lad, he’s got so much composure and I don’t think you can coach that. It’s a natural thing.”

Elsewhere tonight, HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS have another big game at home to Romford.

Jody Brown’s side, who are fifth from bottom and five points above the drop zone, beat Barkingside 1-0 on Saturday.

Now they will be hoping to follow it up with another victory against a side from the lower reaches of the table.