Jose Riga has praised Charlton fans for getting behind their team after the 0-0 draw against Cardiff.

The Addicks moved off the foot of the table but are now six points from safety.

While there has been a lot of discontent from supporters towards the Charlton hierarchy, Riga thought they pushed the team on as they searched for a winner.

The Belgian coach admitted it was encouraging to see the bond returning between fans and players.

Riga said: “Yes, for sure [it’s encouraging to see the fans cheering us on], not just for me, but for the players and the club.

“I told my players that if we want some commitment with fans, it has to start on the pitch. We felt it today.

“That’s certainly one of the reasons why we were able to do what we did in the last 20 minutes.

“When the fans are able to push you on the way they did, then we’re two times stronger and more confident.

“Hopefully, it’s the start of something again between the fans and the team.”

Charlton turned on the heat in the closing stages of the game - in the 88th minute, Simon Makienok had his shot cleared off the line by Bruno Manga.

The Addicks had other chances to win it when Makienok saw his effort blocked and debutant Yaya Sanogo could not sort out his feet in a promising position.

In the first-half, an unmarked Johnnie Jackson somehow managed to put his header over the bar.

However, Cardiff hit the woodwork in both halves - first Joe Ralls was thwarted by the post from 25 yards - and later on Anthony Pilkington saw his close-range effort come off the crossbar.

Stephen Henderson, who was making his 50th appearance for the club, denied Pilkington on three occasions in the second-half.

Despite the gap from safety growing, Riga was pleased to see a response from his players after the Bristol City defeat - but knows a point is not good enough.

He added: “Of course, the other results aren't the best for us but I can’t master them. I got the feeling at the end that we can make the difference.

“We’re all disappointed not to win but this week, we have positive things that we can think about.

“Last week, it wasn't enough, but today, I saw something very good as Cardiff are a strong team.

“The way the players reacted, pleased me a lot.”

Sanogo came on with 17 minutes to play and Riga was impressed with his impact and the partnership between the Arsenal player and Makienok.

He said: “Yaya played alongside Simon, who was very present offensively and defensively, we saw immediately that he was bringing something more.

“That’s why we were able to put the pressure on Cardiff. Yaya can do a job with Simon.”