CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew praised referee Graham Poll for saving Alex Song from a red card during Monday's goalless draw against Reading at The Valley.

The 19-year-old, who has emerged as Charlton’s most creative midfielder since arriving on loan from Arsenal, was treading a fine line after his 15th minute caution for a foul on Steve Sidwell.

He later received a 53rd minute lecture from Mr Poll after another foul on Sidwell and was eventually replaced by Kevin Lisbie in the 69th minute.

Pardew afterwards disclosed that the referee agreed to signal him should Song find himself on the brink of dismissal.

"I said to Graham Poll that I would appreciate a signal if Alex was getting close to being sent off," he said.

"He sent me that signal so Alex had to come off. And that’s nothing to do with me or Graham Poll. He made an indisciplined challenge which put himself under pressure.

"He was brilliant again for us tonight and I do not want to lose him through suspension. So I give full credit to Graham Poll because that kind of common sense approach is what you need in the game.

"I think what he did is within the rules of the game. If it happened to a Reading player, I would have had no complaints."