The Sunderland striker will stay at The Valley until December 15, and there's an option for it to be extended to a three-month stay if it goes well for the 18-year-old.

The South Shields-born forward – who scored at The Valley when Sunderland beat Charlton in last season's FA Youth Cup quarter-final – admits this is a big chance for him to impress.

"I'm just looking forward to getting some first-team football under my belt," he said. "Hopefully I'll do well for the team and get the club up the table.

"The Valley's an excellent stadium with a great pitch. The fans were good that night, and I can't wait to play there again.

"Roy Keane said that because I'm so young he felt it was important for my education to get some regular first-team football, something I probably wasn't going to get at Sunderland.

"I learned about Charlton's interest about a week ago. I was called in for a chat and jumped at the chance.

"The move from the north to the south doesn't bother me, as I've got family down there, and I can't wait to get going now.

"I'll bring energy and I'll work hard for the team. I love scoring goals, and I like running at defenders."

Waghorn didn't need much persuading about the switch, but was further convinced after a talk with Andy Reid, who joined the Black Cats from Charlton in January.

"I don't know too much about my new team-mates, but I had a chat with Andy about things," said Waghorn.

"He only had good things to say about Charlton and told me it's a real family club with a good set-up. He said it was a club that is trying to go in the right direction – hopefully I can help them do that.

Waghorn could make his Addicks debut in Saturday's clash with Sheffield United at The Valley, with the prospect of coming up against clubmates Greg Halford and Anthony Stokes – both on loan with the Blades.

The teenager has had a baptism of fire, making his Sunderland debut in their 4-0 home loss to Manchester United last Boxing Day, while his last first-team outing was in the 5-0 loss at Chelsea this month.

He added: "I didn't expect to play against United, so to actually start was an amazing feeling.

"The Chelsea game was probably the hardest game I've ever played in. They're an excellent side, with good passing and good movement.

"It was almost a pointless task really, as the ball seemed to be constantly down the other end!"