Andy Gray left nothing to the imagination with his wild celebrations after scoring his first goal in 13 games in Charlton’s 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday.

In a classic understatement, manager Alan Pardew said: “Boy, did he need that goal.”

In leaping high to meet Lee Cook’s cross and head home, Gray ended months of disappointment having failed to hit the target since arriving in January following his £2 million move from Burnley.

A month ago his young son’s illness had consumed his thoughts while Saturday’s goal ended a difficult week on a high following father Frank parting company with Blue Square club Woking.

He said: “When you’re a striker and not scoring goals, it affects your confidence. All you can do is keep going.

“There is no doubt that Charlton bought me to score goals and if I had scored regularly we would be higher in the table. I’ve been through a period I want to forget and move on.”