Future looking bright for Matt

While Holland tries to keep his head down, Charlton's stock continues to rise. Alan Curbishley's side could go fourth by beating Fulham tomorrow, heady heights indeed for a club that start every season simply aiming to stay up.

Having suffered a surprise relegation with Ipswich just a year after finishing fifth in 2001, Holland knows the dangers of over-ambition and advocates a more prudent approach. The 29-year-old neatly encapsulates the Charlton way, based on industry, endeavour and no little humility, and has fittingly been named captain in the absence of the injured Richard Rufus.

He said: "We're not going to get carried away and want to get 40 points. That has to be the first aim in the Premier League because it's such a tough league.

"We're not going to win it as there's probably only three teams who can, so the first thing we think about is staying up. Let's get to 40 points and see where we can go from there. We want to improve on last season when we finished 11th but that's secondary to staying up."

Charlton's success has been based on a superb away record, but with Fulham and Leeds the next visitors, they have the opportunity to pick up more points at home. Curbishley's side have often struggled to break down visiting teams content to sit back and play for a point, but a win and a draw in their last two home games against Liverpool and Arsenal has boosted morale.

Holland said: "We've had some difficult games against top teams but now have a real chance to get some points. We've done well in recent weeks and long may it continue. You can never rest on what you've achieved. We're in good form and need to carry it on. The team spirit and confidence is terrific at the minute and the training ground is an enjoyable place to come to. There's a buzz about the place."

Curbishley could welcome back Paolo Di Canio for tomorrow's game. The Italian trained for the first time yesterday after recovering from a hamstring injury and is likely to start on the bench alongside Kevin Lisbie. Curbishley said: "Fulham have surprised some people but not me. They had a good run towards the end of last season and have carried it on. Any team who can go to Old Trafford and White Hart Lane and get a result will come to The Valley full of confidence. It will be a difficult game.

"We keep getting reminded about Europe but were in a similar position last season and didn't make it. If we're well placed near the end this time around we might have more about us." Holland said: "Fulham have made a great start and are probably better away from home as well.

"They've beaten Manchester United and Tottenham so it'll be a difficult game.

"I've been a bit surprised by their success but they've got some good players there. I didn't expect them to be in the top six and they've done really well."