Charlton loanee Neil Etheridge is hopeful 2015 will begin with a permanent contract at The Valley after he made a solid debut in the 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Cardiff.

A stunning late strike from Johann Berg Gudmundsson helped Charlton, who had had Callum Harriott sent off in the first half, to a much-deserved point following Tom Adeyemi’s 12th-minute opener for the visitors.

Etheridge, who is on loan from League One side Oldham, replaced the inexperienced Nick Pope in goal and hopes that his performance on Friday will earn him a longer deal in London.

“I’ve made it clear to everyone that I would like to sign a long-term contract here if I’m honest,” he said.

“(The Cardiff match) got the ball rolling, and I hope to try and cement a first-team position.

“It was disappointing that we went down so early to be honest.

“But, we showed this good spirit in the second half and at the end of the first.”

Igor Vetokele had an outstanding chance with the last kick of the game to secure all three points for Charlton but he could not beat David Marshall in the Cardiff goal, when a bobble on the pitch shortly before he struck seemed a disadvantage.

Etheridge believes that if Vetokele had scored the result would have been justified by Charlton’s determination and effort during the game.

“If Igor puts it away at the end, I don’t think anyone would have really questioned it, because we battled so hard we deserved to walk away with three points,” he said.

“It is one in training he finishes on a regular basis, he was unfortunate.

“We had one the other week with (Andre) Bikey and it hasn’t gone our way in the last minute in the last couple of games.

“Hopefully in the New Year, those ones gone in and we take three points.”

It is Etheridge’s second spell at the club following a short loan spell in 2011 and the former Fulham ‘keeper was more than delighted to be back in SE7.

He said: “Last time I was at the club, it was fantastic, but obviously it was a completely different bunch of players.

“I didn’t play, but it is still a fantastic club like it is now, and it’s great to have the opportunity to play.

“I played in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy for Oldham which was a disappointment for me but I have to thank (manager) Lee Johnson for giving me the opportunity.

“Without blowing my own trumpet, I was surprised not to find a club in the summer transfer window,

“But, I’m glad I found a club now and I am very happy to be at Charlton.” 

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