Curbs: Our away form stands up

Last updated : 13 April 2006 By Editor

However, everyone of those results came before the end of October, and many fans have been scratching their heads in disbelief at the turnaround.

Also, with the exception of Middlesbrough last August, the club's other four away wins of the season, during those first five away fixtures of the campaign, were against sides currently in the bottom four of the Premiership.

Referring to three of his side's three 0-0 draws on the road this season, Curbishley said: "We've gone to Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham - teams that have been playing on the top of their game. On the whole this season our away form stands up."

"Obviously we haven't won away from home for some time and I know I have been criticised recently due to the no score draws, but the players have also kept a lot of clean sheets."

Missing Luke Young against Everton last weekend did not prevent Charlton mounting back to back goalless draws for the second time in the last three months. Previously the record was set at three in a row - that immediately preceded the news of Curbishley's meeting with Brian Barwick of the FA to discuss the England vacancy.

The Charlton boss is obviously a firm believer in his captain's abilities, and is willing Sven Goran Eriksson to include the full-back in his squad for the World Cup.

Curbishley added: "We've been pleased with his progress. He's been wearing a protective boot since his injury. The problem he's got is that it (ligament damage) is just above the ankle. He's had a similar injury before which responded to an injection."

Source: Official site