Charlton keeper Nick Pope credited manager Bob Peeters for giving him a morale boost prior to the Addicks’ 0-0 draw with rivals Millwall.

Pope started only his third league match of the season against the Lions after regular number one Stephen Henderson was ruled out through a shoulder injury picked up in training.

The 22-year-old was more than comfortable deputising, producing some excellent pieces of goalkeeping including a save to deny Jermaine Easter in the 81st minute which ensured he kept his first clean sheet of the season.

And the former York and Welling loanee felt it was his boss’ words of wisdom which inspired him to an assured display against Millwall.

Pope said: “He told me to just play your natural game.

“He also said when they are throwing balls on top of you, just come off your line and do what you have to do.

“That’s music to my ears as a goalkeeper, it injects confidence in you and he does that for a lot of the other players as well.”

Pope admitted he has been impressed with the new style and methods Peeters has brought to The Valley since the Belgian arrived as boss in the summer.

“He’s different to any manager I’ve had before, but it’s something me and the other players enjoy working under,” the keeper explained.

“Just with training methods and on a match day, how the gaffer is and the formations/tactics we use.

“Everyone is pulling in the right direction and that’s a great thing to have.

“In the squad and around the place, everyone is looking up for what is the next step forward.”

While the keeper was delighted to have kept a clean sheet, he was disappointed not to see his side grab the three points he felt they deserved.

Pope said: “I thought we were the better team.

“I haven’t seen the stats, but we had more of the better chances I’d say.

“It was a tight game, a good derby game.

“Tackles were flying around - an enjoyable game to play for any player.

“I think it showed that both teams enjoyed it.”

Charlton could have ended their 18-year wait to beat the Lions in the closing stages, but forward George Tucudean failed to put the ball in the net after being set through on goal by Callum Harriott.

Despite the miss, Pope praised Millwall keeper David Forde for making the chance difficult for the Romanian. 

“From my point of view, it was good goalkeeping from Forde.

“He came out quickly and by the time George turned around, he was face up to him,

“From the way I see it, it’s good goalkeeping more than bad finishing.” 

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