Kishishev the quiet key to Charlton's midfield revival

And striker Shaun Bartlett is quite happy to lead the front line. He said: "It seems to be working at the moment. It means a lot more work for me, and often I have to close down the whole back four, which isn't easy.

"But in the last few games the system has been working both defensively and in attack, so we are probably going to stick with that for a while.

"If you are used to playing with someone up front and suddenly find yourself alone, you feel isolated and lonely. It can be difficult, but it is a challenge and something I've had to adapt to. When the two wide men can get forward to support you, it becomes a lot easier.

"If the defenders need an outlet they can play a long ball and know as one of the better headers of the ball, I'll usually be able to make a challenge."

While happy with his current starting lineup, which has not changed over four matches, Curbishley is aware he has other options available.

"I think we have got the right blend in the middle there, I would just like to see one of the midfield players getting in the box and scoring," he said. "I have players like Jason Euell and Bryan Hughes who can do that and they are sitting there desperate for their chance, so it is great for me that I can have a bench which can boast players like that."

Speaking about keeping those players on the bench motivated, Curbishley added: "There are players who are out at the moment who are not going to be happy with that, but if they are going to come back in, it is nice to be doing that when the team are doing well.

"We are battling away with 18 players, so when you have got a small squad, it does keep everyone involved and I am sure they are all going to be used. That is what I have been saying to them, and when they are needed, they have got to come in and be right."

Charlton are now lying in seventh place, and their fans will now have one eye on pressing for a UEFA Cup place. That, though, could very much depend on the club improving their away record, which has seen them concede 19 goals in their seven league games.

Curbishley acknowledges it is a part of his side's game they need to work on, but he believes the new formation has gone a long way to helping them secure three successive clean sheets away from home.