Curbishley won't be left short by stars

Alan Curbishley has told his unsettled players to forget about playing elsewhere and concentrate on winning a place in Charlton's first team.

Graham Stuart and Jonaton Johansson have both asked to go out on loan, to Ipswich and Norwich respectively, but Curbishley believes he will need all his players before too long.

Charlton are particularly short of strikers, having failed in their attempt to sign Ipswich's Darren Bent before last month's transfer deadline, and Johansson is one of only three fit forwards at the club.

The Charlton manager said: "Certain players may be interested in going out on loan but I don't want to lose anyone. Our squad is small enough as it is and I'll need all my players as soon as we pick up some injuries.

"We were close to bringing in a few more players but it didn't happen and we have to hope the squad will be strong enough."

Matt Holland and Shaun Bartlett both returned to training yesterday following ankle injuries but neither is expected to be fit for Monday's game against Southampton.