Curbishley says it's time for Euro glory

Midfielder Radostin Kishishev, who is in his fifth season at The Valley, believes their squad is now better equipped to last the pace with experienced European campaigners such as Danny Murphy, Dennis Rommedahl and Talal El Karkouri.

"Since I have been here we have always been safe 10 games before the end of the season. Then we have missed something in the last 10 games," said Kishishev.

"Now I think we have got the experience. We have got players who have played in European competition before. Everyone in this club talks about Europe and maybe it's time now to push ourselves. Maybe it's time to deliver."

Last year Alan Curbishley believes Charlton were rocked by the Scott Parker saga but he says there are no excuses for the lights going out prematurely this season.

"We have gone into previous run-ins with players out," said the Charlton manager. "This is the only year we have managed to keep everyone fit.

"Players who have not played a lot of football this season - like Francis Jeffers, Jason Euell, Mark Fish, Bryan Hughes and Kevin Lisbie - could come in and look like new signings. We haven't had that in the past. I hope if they get their chance, they will grab it."

Nevertheless, Curbishley believes his team have not received enough credit for their achievement of once again punching above their weight and being closer to the big guns than to the relegation dogfight.

He said: "It is a little unnoticed that we are there. There is a lot of talk about how well Spurs, Middlesbrough, Bolton and Everton have done.

"We haven't been out of the top 12 all season. Last year wasn't that bad either. For us it is quite amazing that we find ourselves in this position every year. This is the fifth year in a row we have got to the 40-point mark with 10 games to go."

Spurs captain Ledley King said: "Charlton are in the same kind of position as us in the League. It's a chance for one of us to push towards a European place.

"We have just got to make sure we bounce back from the Newcastle defeat. It is a real tough game and will be an important three points. We've just got to make sure it is us that gets them."

Curbishley, who has been linked with the Spurs job at various times over the last decade, has watched the bewildering transfer activity at White Hart Lane this season with great interest.

"Ever since we have been in the Premiership, Spurs have been a buying club. This year has been exceptional - they have brought in 15 players and have made their intentions clear. Their policy this year has been to buy young players and make sure there is competition in every area. The business they have done, I wonder sometimes where they get the money from.

"On top of that they have maintained a healthy League position so it is looking quite good for them," he added.

One player who avoided Tottenham's clutches last summer was Danny Murphy. Curbishley believes the former Liverpool midfielder has prospered as the playmaker in a five-man midfield behind lone striker Shaun Bartlett.

He added: "The change of shape has helped Danny. His general play has improved and his assists have improved."