DEFENDER Hermann Hreidarsson is ready to throw his weight behind Charlton’s fight for Premier League survival at home to Newcastle on Sunday (1.30pm).

Hreidarsson, described by manager Alan Pardew as “crucial” to the club’s survival prospects, has recovered from the tendonitis which has kept him out for three games.

“I regard him as a definite to face Newcastle,” said Pardew, who would not be drawn on the availability of the injured Madjid Bougherra and Ben Thatcher.

Bougherra has yet to make his home debut following a £2.5million move from Sheffield Wednesday on January 28.

And though Thatcher declared himself fit in a national newspaper interview, Pardew is reserving judgement, even though he disclosed that the left-back was close to playing at Watford.

Both players are troubled by knee injuries but central defender Souleymane Diawara is available after serving a one-match suspension.

A third centre-back, Jonathan Fortune, has returned to Stoke on loan after being recalled to play at Watford.