DEAN KIELY was positive about Charlton’s performance against Southampton, despite the game finishing in a goalless draw at The Valley on Monday.

Kiely, who was made captain for the match, produced a couple of fine saves, including a spectacular one-handed stop to deny Rory Delap in the second-half. But some dogged defending at the other end of the pitch by an organised Saints side meant the game ended in stalemate.

Kiely said: “After we got trounced in the Bolton game, we responded with six points from two home games in five days. We went into this match in a similar situation after the 4-0 defeat at Manchester City and, after a very hard-fought game, we have seven points from three home games. It’s a tidy haul and we can build from that.”

The home fans voiced their dissatisfaction at the end of the match, and Kiely admits he can understand their reaction.

“I think anyone connected with Charlton would go away from the game frustrated, but I think the frustration would have been greater if we had been beaten 1-0.

“The first port of call after a defeat in the manner of the Manchester City one was to make sure we were very solid, tough to break down and hard to beat. I don’t think we can make any apologies for that.

“Southampton were also tough to break down, and a hard-working side, and that probably led to a dour encounter that ended 0-0. The fact we didn’t get the breakthrough was not due to any lack of effort or endeavour.

“What people don’t always see is that Francis Jeffers, Kevin Lisbie, and Jonatan Johansson had to do all the dirty stuff that forwards shouldn’t have to do. Their chasing back and harrying was a credit to them and I think they will get their rewards throughout the season because their effort in this game for little reward was immense.”

Kiely’s performance was the highlight for the Addicks and the former Republic of Ireland keeper believes he benefited from having a break while the international matches were played.

“Everything I have done over the past two weeks has been for me,” he said. “A few years ago, I was going here, there and everywhere. I was sitting on the bench, having a long flight back on a Thursday and playing again on a Saturday.

“It was a great honour and achievement representing my country, but I had to make a hard decision to stop playing internationals and I feel fitter and stronger because of it.”