Charlton have signed West Ham United defender Matt Fry on a youth loan until January 4.

The 19-year-old, who recently penned a new two-year professional deal with West Ham, is the first player to be recruited by Charlton as part of a new ‘youth loan’ system which applies to second-year scholars and under-21 players.

Under the terms of the deal, Fry (pictured) will join the League 1 club, but will also be eligible to play reserve matches for the Hammers during the loan period.

Equally comfortable at both left-back and centre-back Fry spent time on loan to Charlton from the Hammers towards the end of last term but to Football League rules governing loan players, he only made the substitutes’ bench on one occasion for the first team – the heartbreaking play-off semi-final second-leg loss to Swindon Town.

West Ham, who have retained the right to recall the defender at any stage after the first 28 days, have also given him permission to play in the Carling Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. He has been given the number 19 jersey.