SVETOSLAV TODOROV believes the competition among Charlton’s strikers is so fierce nobody is assured of their place.

Todorov was forced to start Saturday's derby with Crystal Palace on the bench before coming on as a second half substitute to score the only goal of the game.

"It’s great having such competition for places," he said. "I’ve been told that last season it was all down to Darren Bent to score the goals.

"Now we have scored 10 in the last week. We have strikers at this club who are doing their jobs.

"We have good young players here, like Izale McLeod and Luke Varney. Then there is Chris Iwelumo and myself who have a lot of experience.

"There is a good mixture. The manager has called for 90 goals this season, so the emphasis is on the attack."

Todorov, who scored a spectacular goal in the 4-3 defeat of Stockport in the Carling Cup, made no secret of his disappointment at starting on the bench at Selhurst Park.

Manager Alan Pardew disclosed: "Toddy has a certain way of showing his displeasure. He shot me an icy stare then walked around sheepishly."

Todorov said: "Sure, I was upset at being left out but the manager makes the decisions and you abide by them."

The Bulgarian was only made aware of the intense rivalry between the clubs during a midweek conversation with team-mate Chris Powell.

He explained: "I only found out about it on Tuesday and for that I’m grateful to Chris Powell. He told me how important it was to beat Palace.

"So when I scored, I ran straight over to the Charlton supporters. They were just going wild and I could see at the end of the match how much it meant to them.

"I can’t remember ever scoring a winning goal in a derby match before. So I’m very pleased."