ONE-TIME York City goalkeeping great Dean Kiely is gunning for an Arsenal demise in tonight's Premiership title decider. Kiely's motive for wishing a reverse upon the new FA Cup holders who go to Premiership arch-adversaries Manchester United at Old Trafford is purely personal.

The 31-year-old net-minder is primed to round off his second season in the Premiership by coming up against Sir Alex Ferguson's warriors as Charlton Athletic's last man standing at Old Trafford on Saturday.

And Kiely is yearning for there still to be something meaningful about that clash rather than the campaign ending in a whimper.

For that to happen then United will have to beat double-seeking Arsenal tonight so as to prolong the defence of their crown through to the last Saturday of the season in four days' time.

Then Kiely will be charged with keeping the free-scoring Red Devils at bay at their Manchester fortress while Arsenal would have to at least prise a point from their last outing of the season at home to Everton.

Said Kiely, delighted at yesterday crowning a memorable campaign by being named in the Republic of Ireland's 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup finals in Japan and Korea: "I'm just hoping it won't be a nothing game when we go there.

"I would love it if the championship was still to hinge on what happened at Old Trafford on the last Saturday.

"They are the type of games every professional loves to play in. You want to be playing when there's a lot of pressure on and when there's something at stake.

"If something is riding on Saturday's game then all the better for me. That's what I want to be involved in."

Kiely's 2001-02 campaign between the sticks for the Addicks has been one of commendable success.

And now he has a new trophy to put on his mantle-piece alongside his Evening Press player of the year award.

The former York City No 1 was presented with the Evening Press award after his 1995-96 campaign with the Minstermen.

But now the Republic of Ireland custodian has collected the Charlton Supporters' Club equivalent after a sensational season for the Addicks.

So far he has 11 clean sheets this season in a so far ever-present run in the Premiership. And ahead of this weekend's games Kiely boasts the record of making the most saves in the top-flight this term.

Updated: 12:23 Wednesday, May 08, 2002