Premiership newcomers Charlton earned another valuable point against one of the league's form sides.

David Oates: Leicester could have had the match wrapped up by half time

Neither side could find the winner in an often scrappy, physical battle that saw England Under-21 international Emile Heskey close to being sent-off by referee David Elleray.

Leicester arrived with the manager of the month award for Martin O'Neill, but the Ulsterman had to use a makeshift striker in Steve Walsh.

With Tony Cottee injured, the centre-half was drafted in as a bizarre new partner for Heskey on his return from missing 11 games with a groin injury.

And he almost fired Leicester in front in fairytale style, but his well struck half-volley from the edge of the area was just too close to goalkeeper Sasa Ilic.

The home side were forced to make two changes from the team that drew 2-2 at Spurs on Monday, and they struggled desperately to get into any rhythm in the first half.

Steve Walsh - unlikely partnership with Emile Heskey

The visitors continued to have the better of the opening half-hour and were inches away from the opening goal on several occasions.

Firstly Walsh saw his header from Steve Guppy's corner cleared off the line by Mark Kinsella.

And from another Guppy corner seconds later, Ilic had to dive quickly down to his left to prevent Matt Elliott's header creeping over the line.

Charlton did have chances - Eddie Youds' header was hacked clear by Robert Ullathorne, and when it was turned back in, Andy Hunt's downward header was smothered by Keller.

But Heskey was still proving dangerous and had a good chance as he latched onto Robbie Savage's through ball, but Ilic saved well low to his right.

Heskey (right) couldn't break the deadlock

And Charlton had a lucky escape seconds before the interval when Youds' clearance hit Izzet and headed goalwards before the defender recovered to hack clear.

Charlton were then almost caught cold seconds after the restart when a defensive error allowed Heskey a run on goal.

The home fans felt they had good claims for a penalty when Youds and Savage tussled for the ball in the penalty area.

Marc Kinsella then had a 25-yard drive well held by Keller as the home side made a much livelier start to the second half.

Charlton then created other chances through Clive Mendonca - whose effort flew inches wide of Keller's far post.

Hunt then headed straight at Keller from Robinson's cross, as the home side began to dominate, and Leicester's frustration boiled over with Heskey booked for dissent after a disputed free-kick was awarded against him.

And the England Under-21 striker came perilously close to being dismissed seconds later for a foul on Danny Mills, referee Elleray at one stage looking like he was reaching for a second yellow card.

By now Walsh had moved back into the heart of the defence, but neither side looked to have settled for a point.

However the game was destined to end goalless, only the third draw between the sides.

Charlton:

Ilic, Mills, Powell, Youds, Kinsella, Hunt, Mendonca, Robinson, K. Jones, Mortimer, Tiler. Subs: Brown, Petterson, S. Jones, Barness, Parker.

Leicester:

Keller, Sinclair, Izzet, Lennon, Heskey, Guppy, Savage, Elliott, Ullathorne, Walsh, Zagorakis. Subs: Campbell, Parker, Fenton, Arphexad, Wilson.