Curbishley goes north in search of adventure

Alan Curbishley has called on his side to show more adventure against Aston Villa tomorrow.

Charlton have drawn three of their first five Premiership games and go to Villa Park looking for their first win in three attempts.

Curbishley's side are unbeaten on their travels but are still searching for their first home win. They were slightly unfortunate to lose 2-0 to Manchester United last Saturday, but with Liverpool and Arsenal the next visitors to The Valley, Curbishley is conscious of the need to collect points away from home.

He said: "It'll be a difficult game because they blow hot and cold. We haven't won for three games and need to go there and get something. We've played well away from home but need to be more adventurous.

"We were in a bit of bother after seven or eight games last season and it's been the same this year. We've had a tough start but have to make sure we dig in and get as many points as we can. We've got Liverpool and Arsenal coming up and know it could be a long run. It will ease up like it did last season when we went on a good run before Christmas.

"Our home form hasn't been anywhere near where it should be and picking up points away from home can lift the pressure. Sometimes it works out like that. In the Premiership you've got to pick up the majority of your points at home, but we do well away by hitting teams on the break.''

Curbishley was without five defenders against United but has better news ahead of tomorrow's game. Mark Fish returns from suspension, Luke Young has shaken off an illness and Hermann Hreidarsson is in contention after a knee injury. On-loan striker Carlton Cole is still out with a hip injury, with Jason Euell and Paolo Di Canio set to continue up front.

Curbishley was pleased with Di Canio's performance on his full debut against United and thinks the Italian will get better with every game. He said: "Paolo's not as fit as he wants to be. He needs a few more matches and the League Cup next week will be handy as well.