CHARLTON manager Alan Curbishley has denied national newspaper speculation that goalkeeper and Player of the Year Dean Kiely is under pressure for his place.

The Addicks visit Tottenham on Saturday with the third worst goal difference in the Premier League after three four goal beatings on the road at Bolton, Manchester City and Arsenal but Curbishley insisted that Kiely’s place is safe.

The manager, who made five changes last week for the home game against Middlesbrough, said: “I don’t know where this story about Dean losing his place came from.

"I was complaining about the way goals from distance were going in against us but I never mentioned Dean. He would have been disappointed about his kick out which lead to Middlesbrough’s first goal but then he made that superb save from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.”

Tottenham have lost their last three league games against Portsmouth, Bolton and Fulham. Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Fulham left the club with just one win from their previous London derbies.

Manager Jacques Santini is certain to include former Addicks striker Jermain Defoe in his squad. Defoe has developed a knack of scoring against his old club in recent seasons.

“It’s a big local derby because Tottenham are experiencing a similar time to us, said Curbishley. “There is a lot to play for and it’s my job to make sure that we’re up for it.”