Karel Fraeye was pleased with the improvement to Charlton's defence following a home 0-0 draw to Leeds United on Saturday.

The Addicks started the match promisingly and could have taken the lead when Reza Ghoochannejhad saw his shot squirmed underneath Marco Silvestri and roll wide.

The Leeds stopper was called upon again after the break, denying Ricardo Vaz Te with a superb low left-hand stop.

However, the visitors upped the tempo in the second half and should have scored, but Tom Adeyemi hit the post from close-range.

Despite Charlton failing to take advantage, Fraeye was content, declaring his proudness of improvement in the Addicks’ back four after conceding six goals in their last two games.

“Today we managed to show that we learnt our lessons after the Brighton and Ipswich matches,” said the 38-year-old.

“We defended like men and coped very well with their aggressive style of play, which is a step forward.

“I’m happy that it was a point and proud of our performance out of possession and defensively, we are getting stronger.”

Fraeye was also pleased that while Charlton did not score, they did manage to create chances in the goalless tie at the Valley.

He said: “We were the better team first half and didn’t concede a chance and had some of our own.

“First hour we deserved more than 0-0, but we knew they had quality and had 15 minutes where they pushed us and we were lucky not to concede at that moment.

“But, we had chances and as long as we create them, one day they will fly in for us."

The Belgian was also delighted with the impact Charlton’s academy graduates including Tareiq Holmes-Dennis and Ademola Lookman in a match that was described by Fraeye as a “physical battle”.

“We have good left backs with Morgan Fox also, but, today we managed to use the qualities of Tareiq who is the faster one of the two," said the former assistant to Jose Riga.

“We thought that Tareiq could hurt them today and he did, as did Ademola.

“Lookman is on a two-and a half year deal, he’s young and he will make mistakes, he’s only played five or six games and we are the club for him to get these improvements.”