CHARLTON boss Alan Curbishley has defended his decision to put defender Chris Perry on the bench in favour of recalling long-term injury casualty Mark Fish for the 4-1 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion.

Fish, who made his first start since the 4-0 defeat by Manchester City on August 28, was preferred to Perry who had a shoulder injury.

The former Tottenham defender had only recently returned to the side following a groin problem and was outstanding against his former club in Wednesday’s 2-0 success.

Many supporters were surprised at the decision but Curbishley said: “Chris hurt his shoulder against Fulham and did not train for a week before we put him back in against Spurs.

“I think he’s had an up and down last couple of weeks after being thrown in against Newcastle and then rested against Leicester before being thrown back in again.

“He hurt his shoulder and then carried it for some time against Fulham. So I thought it worth bringing Fish back against two big strikers in Horsfield and Campbell.”