CHARLTON manager Alan Curbishley has confessed his team’s biggest problem is keeping clean sheets as he attempts to stop their slide.

Not since the 1-0 win at Birmingham on September 10 have the Addicks prevented the opposition from scoring.

Now Curbishley confronts a malaise that has seen the Addicks suffer four consecutive Premiership defeats.

He admitted: "The biggest problem we have at the moment is that we don’t look as though we’re going to keep a clean sheet.

"That’s down to everybody in the side. Once you start keeping clean sheets then you’ve got a chance of winning games."

Saturday’s exclusion of Danny Murphy, who three weeks ago was linked with an England recall, sent a message to the rest of the Charlton squad that Curbishley is no respecter of reputations.

"Danny Murphy is still a key player for us but if I can leave him out then I can leave anyone out," Curbishley warned. "That’s the message to everyone in the dressing room.

"Unfortunately it didn’t get through to one or two at Aston Villa on Saturday."

Charlton return to The Valley on Sunday to face Manchester City knowing they owe fans a performance after one home win all season. The match kicks-off at 4pm.

First they face Blackburn Rovers in the Carling Cup fourth round on Wednesday night.

Murphy and Dennis Rommedahl are set to be recalled for the clash. Defender Jonathan Spector is also back in contention for a place in the side.