VETERAN defender Chris Powell returns for Charlton's Carling Cup, second round, home tie against League 2 Stockport tonight at The Valley.

Supporters' favourite Powell replaces Ben Thatcher who limped off with a thigh strain just before half-time during Saturday's 3-2 win against Sheffield Wednesday.

Central defender Madjid Bougherra, who was helped off two minutes from the end on Saturday, is another doubt.

Manager Alan Pardew is likely to use the tie to assess the form of a number of fringe players.

Manager Alan Pardew is likely to use the tie to assess the form of a number of fringe players. He said: "My priority is the League, the FA Cup and the Carling Cup in that order."

Pardew is not getting carried away with Saturday's first Championship win which saw his players booed off by their own supporters at half-time after conceding two goals in the opening 15 minutes.

In a candid appraisal on his team's first half performance, Pardew said: "Our supporters booed and I booed as well when the players came off at half-time. It was horrible, it was ugly.

"We could play a million games and not look as bad as the last 20 minutes of the first half. I wouldn't dare watch the video again. I would resign."

Tonight's tie kicks off at 8pm.