RADOSTIN KISHISHEV takes his place in Charlton's midfielder away to Manchester City on Saturday with the praise of manager Alan Curbishley ringing in his ears.

The Bulgarian international was inspirational in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa as the Addicks went fourth in the Barclays Premier League and Curbishley admitted: "He is so underrated, though not by me.

"When we sold Scott Parker to Chelsea last season he gave me a big smile as if to say I fancy his position in central position. We've given him his chance and I thought he was brilliant against Villa."

Curbishley confirmed that skipper Matt Holland, who was ever-present last season, would miss the trip to the City of Manchester Stadium as he has still not recovered from the ankle injury sustained on the opening day early in the match at Bolton.

The Charlton boss is hoping the two-week international break will enable Holland to be fit to face Southampton on the Addicks next home game against Southampton on Monday, September 13.