George Burley's men need at least a point to move back into the crucial third Champions League position, having been usurped by Leeds, who beat Chelsea with two late goals at Elland Road. With each one of the chasing pack seemingly in imperious form it appears that three wins from the remaining three matches are needed to keep the neutrals' favourite team in the European Cup frame.

Stewart, short-listed for the PFA Player of the Year award and already named players' player of the year at Portman Road, remains a team man however, and claims the accolade bestowed upon him by his own team-mates is special. “It is the best award, being recognised by your peers, by your mates, really.It is special and I thank them for that. There is no better accolade than being voted for by fellow players and to also be in the top six of the PFA Awards is an achievement and a big thrill.”

The Charlton game has now taken on even greater significance following Town's seven wins in nine matches. Stewart and skipper Matt Holland scored in the 2-0 home victory last November and the 28-year-old former Huddersfield forward said:”`I expect the game on Monday will be very similar to the one that we played at Portman Road. We are very similar sides in a lot of ways and their's is a club, like ourselves, going in the right direction. ``We both have quite young managers who are fairly similar and have done a very good job at their respective clubs.”

Stewart believes his manager George Burley is in with a good chance of being named manager of the year. “I think he has a very good chance. Realistically Alex Ferguson and David O'Leary are his main rivals because Manchester United have won the Premier League again and O'Leary for what Leeds United have done so far in the Champions League. But even so I really think he has got every chance and deserves it.

“His strength is in man-management. He treats players like adults. He knows and understands us and so we can change formation whenever we have to, as we did at Southampton and Middlesbrough - which worked. He has faith in the lads, in our ability, which is important.”

Meanwhile Charlton manager Alan Curbishley will continue to search for chinks in his squad in the last three Premiership matches of the season as he prepares for a summer of strengthening. Curbishley has urged his players to show that reinforcements are not needed in their area after being granted around £10million to bring in at least two new faces to The Valley.

The Charlton boss has been pleased with the back-up men this season who have stepped in because of numerous key injuries, including lay-offs to goalkeeper Dean Kiely, captain Mark Kinsella and top-scorer Jonatan Johansson. Such has been the form of Scott Parker in midfield that a first England Under-21 call was received and loan striker Shaun Bartlett is set to win a permanent contract at The Valley. But Curbishley has been particularly impressed with the attitude of Sasa Ilic, who experienced two seasons of twiddling his thumbs before Kiely's injury but returned to the international fold last week. “We are pleased that we have had a goalkeeper of that quality to come in,” said Curbishley.     Back