SOUTHENDUnited striker Charlie Kelman is the Sky Bet League One Goal of the Month winner for January, receiving 44 per cent of the public vote.

On as a late substitute against Plymouth Argyle, the 17-year-old announced himself to the football world by uncorking a shot, and scoring, from his own half.

And Lead Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month judge and Sky Sports Pundit Don Goodman said was full of praise for the Blues youngster.

"Perhaps the keeper should have done better, but let’s not take anything away from the teenager Kelman who has scored a goal that few would even have attempted," said Goodman.

“Very few players will score a goal from inside their own half in their career and I’m sure this is one that both Kelman and the Shrimpers fans will remember for a long time.”

And Kelman was also pleased to pick up the award. 

“I’m very pleased," said the youngster.

"I was up against some quality goals so I was quite worried but I was so happy when I found out I won. It’s every kid’s dream, especially scoring a goal like that on my debut and hopefully this is the first of many.

“It might be a once in a career type of goal but coaches and players have seen me do it in youth games. I’m the sort of player that if it’s on then I will do it because without risk there is no reward.

“We were defending a free kick minutes before and I said to Coxy [Simon Cox] in the wall the goalkeeper is way off his line. When the ball dropped to me it just fell perfect. As a striker you have an instinct and it set up so perfectly for me. It was an amazing feeling to see it go in.

“I enjoyed it for one day but my mum made sure I didn’t get too carried away. I want to show that I’m not just about the goal, but that I can be consistent scoring goals and have a good career.”

Kelman beat off competition from Scunthorpe United’s Adam Hammill and Doncaster Rovers' Ali Crawford to win the award.