Kiely: Don't write off a Euro place

Dean Kiley believes Charlton have learned from the mistakes of previous seasons and are finally ready to claim a UEFA Cup place for the first time in the club's history.

Charlton have faded badly in each of the past three years and a 4-1 home defeat to West Brom a fortnight ago has raised fears that they could again fail to take advantage of a promising position.

Alan Curbishley's side remain in seventh place despite the West Brom hammering, though, and Kiely said: "We've fallen away badly in recent seasons and blown our chances of Europe but we've learned from those disappointments and can win a UEFA Cup place. So many people tell us that we're not a big club, that we're little old Charlton, but once again we find ourselves in a good position where we can really push on. It's up to us to finish the job."

Kiely feels that self-belief will be the key to Charlton's European challenge, starting with tomorrow's home game against Manchester City.

He said: "It's not about proving people wrong but about showing we're a quality side. It's about believing that we've been a strong side in this division for several years now, that we've progressed and are continuing to do so.

"European football would be the icing on the cake but we want to finish in our best position ever. I can't say why we've fallen away in the past. It's not that we've lost focus and it's certainly not that anyone's been coasting or taking it easy."