ALL-CONQUERING Charlton headed into the international break with manager Alan Curbishley admitting he could have done without it.

The club sit third in the Premiership table with a game in hand on leaders Chelsea and second-placed Manchester City and the Addicks' momentum has been interrupted at the worst possible time.

Curbishley said: "I could have done without the international break because we’ve started with a 100 per cent record and have been playing so well.

"I just want all the players on international duty to return fit and well."

Curbishley admitted that for the first time during his 10-year reign in sole charge at the club, he has genuine competition for places.

Skipper Matt Holland, who is nursing a shoulder injury, has still to play while newcomers Darren Ambrose and Gonzalo Sorondo will be available after the game at Birmingham on September 10.

Centre-back Jonathan Spector, who signed on a year-long loan from Manchester United, was on the bench at Middlesbrough but has still to make his debut.

"There is competition in every area. I don’t mind the problems, I just hope it continues," said Curbishley.

Charlton's fine form is being recognised with the number of players away on international duty.

Luke Young has replaced Glen Johnson, one of the casualties after the 4-1 humiliation in Denmark last month, and Darren Bent has retained his place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad.

Curbishley added: "Suddenly, I’m talking up my players’ England chances. The only problem with that is that the last person I talked up, Scott Parker, I sold for £10 million."