Kiely leaves Charlton for Portsmouth

Former Republic of Ireland international Dean Kiely today joined Portsmouth from Charlton for an undisclosed fee.  He becomes manager Harry Redknapp’s sixth signing of the January transfer window.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper lost his place at Charlton when he fractured his finger during pre-season and, once recovered, had struggled to displace his understudy Stephan Andersen and cover signing Thomas Myhre.

A consistent and ever-present performer with Charlton since 1999, the eight-times capped international made just four appearances this season and was deeply frustrated with his situation at The Valley.

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric was keen to sign a new goalkeeper to challenge Jamie Ashdown who, he believes, is struggling with his form. The five goals Ashdown conceded to Birmingham at the weekend certainly wont have helped his cause.

"Dean seemed to have gone down the order at Charlton, but I think Alan Curbishley will be the first to acknowledge the tremendous service and level of performance he has given to a solid Premier League outfit," Redknapp said.

"His record in the Premier League speaks for itself," the manager continued. "It is amazing to have played so consistently, you could count on one hand the number of games he had missed before this season.

"I think in the time he kept goal for Charlton they never finished below 14th, and he has been a virtual ever-present for most of that time. At 35, he is just coming into his prime for a goalkeeper."

Kiely’s chances of securing the move were bolstered further by the fact both Alan Perrin, the former Portsmouth manager, and his successor, Redknapp, have shown little or no faith in Ashdown’s number two, Sander Westerveld, the ex-Liverpool player.

Kiely could make his Portsmouth debut this weekend at home to Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Norwich goalkeeper Robert Green was also linked with Portsmouth. He is keen to make a Premiership return in order to cement a spot in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England World Cup squad and could now attract Charlton’s attention.

Norwich, though, are in no rush to sell as they received £7 million from West Ham for striker Dean Ashton on Monday.

Kenny Cunningham, who recently joined Kiely in international retirement, faces three weeks out with a hamstring injury.  The former Ireland captain sustained a grade one tear during the weekend win over Portsmouth.