ZOLTAN Gera is looking forward to 'holding the baby' after being given permission by Hungary coach Peter Varhidi to miss his country's friendly with Slovenia on Wednesday.

The Magyars star has been given time out to spend with his first-born child Hanna, who is just one-week old.

And the proud father almost had double cause for celebration on Friday night, with only the crossbar denying him a spectacular last-gasp winner at Charlton.

"I spoke to my national team coach and told him that I wanted to stay here because of my family," said Gera.

"I don't want to leave my wife alone with the baby.

"We have lots of games and I have a good relationship with my coach in Hungary so he has backed me and there is no problem.

"Sometimes we need a rest because there are too many games and too much travelling.

"When we get back from international duty, we just train with the team for one day on a Friday, which is not good enough."

Gera then quipped: "I have already changed a nappy so I am a good dad!

"I am enjoying every day and every minute and I'm looking forward to more.

"It's hard work, but not for me, for my wife really.

"I am happy."

Gera felt Albion deserved more than the point they picked up at The Valley as he helped lead a late siege on the Addicks' goal.

"It was a good game and the second half was good for us," he added.

"But after the game I have to say that one point was not good enough for us - we should have won.

"In the second half we controlled the game.

"We had a lot of chances and I think we were unlucky.

"I put too much power on the ball for my shot at the end.

"Maybe if it had been a bit slower the ball would have been in the net and not come back off the crossbar."

Tony Mowbray gathered his troops into a huddle at the final whistle.

And Gera has revealed the message the Baggies boss was eager to get across to his men ahead of next Saturday's crucial home clash with struggling Colchester (ko 3pm).

"We need to win the next home game but who knows what will happen?" the Albion midfielder added.

"In the huddle we spoke about the need to keep going like we did against Charlton.

"We need to keep playing like we did in this game and if we do that I think we will get automatic promotion.

"We need to stick together.

"The team has a good spirit and we spoke after the game about being ready for the next game.

"That's why we had the huddle."

PIC: WHO'S THE DADDY...Proud father Gera suffers late agony after his late strike at Charlton rattles the woodwork

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