Hughes has a goal in mind

Bryan Hughes hopes that his first goals for Charlton will convince manager Alan Curbishley that he deserves the chance to face his former team-mates.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who scored twice in the 4-1 FA Cup third round win against Rochdale on Saturday, has struggled to break through at Charlton since joining from Birmingham in the summer.

But with Steve Bruce's side visiting The Valley this weekend Hughes is keen to retain his place in the starting line-up.

"Obviously [it's been frustrating] that I haven't been in the team," said Hughes. "But the manager's changed it about a bit against Rochdale and given me a chance.

"It would be nice to be involved [against Birmingham]. He played me when we played them at St Andrews and I did okay there, so fingers crossed I'll play."

First-half strikes from Hughes and Jonathan Fortune gave Charlton a two-goal lead at the interval, though that margin was reduced when Rochdale's Grant Holt slotted home in the 51st minute.

But five minutes later Hughes added his second and Charlton's third with a looping header before Danny Murphy's free-kick sealed the visitors' fate.