CHARLTON boss Alan Curbishley launched a vigorous defence of leading scorer Darren Bent following caustic comments in the national press after his England international debut in last week’s 2-1 defeat of Uruguay.

Concerned that criticism would affect his confidence, Curbishley took time out to give the 22-year-old a pep talk before Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool.

Curbishley said: “I have looked at what some of the so-called pundits have said, but for me, if you look at the bigger picture, he made some great runs and was in some good positions if he had been played in.

“I’m convinced that if an opportunity had arisen, he would have finished it because I know that in training he did ever so well. He showed everybody his movement, his pace and his appreciation.

“I don’t think there have been too many centre forwards who have been given their England debut playing up there on their own because that’s how it was for the first half with Wayne Rooney dropping off.

“He did as well as he could have done with the amount of service he received.”