Tahar El-Khalej has signed in time to face West Brom

Charlton have moved quickly to snap up released Southampton defender Tahar El-Khalej.

The Moroccan international's contract was paid up by Saints last week as part of a mini clear-out at St Mary's.

Addicks boss Alan Curbishley nipped in to sign the 34-year-old until the end of the season.

"Looking at the injury situation at the club at the moment, plus the looming suspensions, I felt it was necessary to bring someone in," said Curbishley.

I feel quite fortunate to have got someone with Tahar's Premiership experience Alan Curbishley

"Tahar has been in the country for some years, has acclimatised to the Premiership and fits the bill.

"I'm delighted to have signed him and feel quite fortunate to have got someone with his Premiership experience at such short notice.

"He can play in a number of positions, including centre half and right back, so I had no hesitation to bringing him in," he added on the club's website.

El-Khalej has been given the number 30 shirt and was registered in time to feature in Charlton's squad to face West Brom in Wednesday night's Premiership game.

He made his last appearance for the Saints as a substitute against West Brom last September, before being frozen out by manager Gordon Strachan.

After starting his career with Moroccan outfit KAC Marrakesh, El-Khalej made his breakthrough at Portuguese side Uniao Leira before moving to Benfica in 1996.

He joined Southampton from the Portuguese giants in 2000 for �300,000, and made 65 appearances for the Saints.