Kachloul bemused as Saints leave it late

While the talk of The Dell was rightly about the England prospects of Southampton's precocious left back Wayne Bridge, Morocco forward Hassan Kachloul was left wondering why his future seems to have been largely ignored.

Kachloul may have gone 22 games without a goal and can be indisciplined, as when sent off after being provoked against Leeds. But he is a good supply line for leading scorer James Beattie. However, the 27-year-old forward said after an entertaining goalless draw against Charlton:'It has disappointed me that the club has waited until three months before I am free to talk about a new contract.

'They have asked my agent to come and talk with them this week and start negotiations.' Kachloul, a close-season target for Ipswich, added:'I enjoy my football and if I don't sign on again here, I will definitely stay in England.' Dean Richards joined in the praise for 20-year-old Bridge who, it is felt on the south coast, has been ready for international recognition for some time.The Saints central defender said:'Wayne has been first-class all season and I don't think he'd be out of his depth at England level. He's only just scraped into the Under 21 squad, which I think is a disgrace. He's strong going forward and also a good defender.' Bridge has excellent balance and can go by opponents, shoot and centre.

But Charlton, with the leakiest defence away from home in the Premiership, kept a clean sheet to cement confidence before this week's FA Cup replay at non-League Dagenham and Redbridge. Goalkeeper Dean Kiely made vital saves from Matthew Oakley, tipping one effort against the bar, and twice from 10-goal Beattie.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley, who could be pleased with left back Paul Konchesky and midfielder Scott Parker, said:'We kept our own counsel last week after the draw against Dagenham. We took the criticism on the chin and 90 per cent of people outside Charlton will want us to go out of the cup.We know about going there from pre-season games.

'Other managers have said to me that at least we're still in there, we didn't go out.We know what sort of game to expect on Wednesday.We know the conditions and we know the pressure is on us.' Curbishley will not take kindly to being embarrassed in his own East End manor. But someone is guaranteed to be pleased.'A friend of mine is a Dagenham fan,' he added.'He sponsors games at the Valley and their home games. He's delighted as he's got 20 tickets.'