Lee Bowyer has lauded Jonny Williams after seeing Charlton’s latest addition feature in their preseason defeat to Gillingham.

The former Crystal Palace midfielder made his first appearance since returning to The Valley after just 12 minutes when Gills’ Stuart O’Keefe drew first blood.

Williams, who has become the Addicks’ sixth signing this summer, played for an hour before being substituted for Ben Dempsey some 17 minutes from time.

Chuks Aneke levelled the scores shortly before half-time but Gillingham struck back through Mikael Ndjoli and made sure of the win late on through Elliott List.

Bowyer said: “Please don't judge him on today because that's his first game!

“For the other lads this is their third game now [in preseason] so you have to be careful with him. 

“He probably went a little bit longer than we wanted him to. He was only meant to come on for the last half hour and he ended up playing 60 minutes because the other lads that were sitting on the bench, bless them, were so stiff from this morning's work.

“But fair play to him. He's come back and I'm delighted to have him back. He's a great lad, [got a] great personality [and a] great attitude.”

Williams joins players such as former Millwall goalkeeper Ben Amos, Tom Lockyer and Macauley Bonne in adding to Charlton’s ranks ahead of the new season.

The Wales international was among many others who helped the Addicks to return to the Championship for the first time in three years this past May.

Despite having joined from cross-city rivals Palace he has quickly endeared himself - both to his teammates and the supporters - in a short period of time.

Speaking after his return, he said: “I’m delighted. I’m over the moon to be back amongst this group of lads, with the manager and staff, I feel at home here.

“I’m delighted to sign and really excited to play with this team in the Championship.

“I potentially could have waited another two weeks to see what other options there are and what else is available, but at the end of the day, I’m happy here and happy in this environment.

“From day one, from my debut against Sunderland, I didn’t know how they [the supporters] were going to react coming from another south London team. Singing my name on my debut, I can’t thank them enough for the support they’ve given me.

“One of the main reasons I decided to stay and be a part of this was because they made me feel at home here and you can’t substitute that feeling. I feel wanted here and I’ve not always had that feeling.

“It means a lot, so I’m delighted to be back and looking forward to seeing them all against Villa [Chris Solly’s testimonial].”