Stuart looks for cure to away-day blues

Graham Stuart believes Charlton have to end their poor away run quickly or they may get sucked into a relegation battle.

The Addicks suffered their fourth consecutive away defeat at Anfield on Saturday and Stuart said: "We have got to eradicate the problem as soon as possible because we don't want it to cost us at the end of the season.

"We haven't put in too many solid performances but this was probably one of our most solid performances away from home this season. However, we still came away with a 3-0 loss, which I thought was very harsh."

Charlton's next match is at home to Manchester United and they also entertain Everton and travel to Leicester, West Ham and Manchester City this month.

Stuart knows these matches could make or break Charlton's season. The last time Charlton were in the Premiership they suffered a terrible run over Christmas, which proved costly as they were relegated.

He added: "It is going to be a tough month for us. We have got some difficult away trips, so we are going to have our work cut out. But we know how important it is to do well during the Christmas period."

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley praised defender Richard Rufus, who he felt was unlucky to pick up his fifth yellow card of the season and a one-match ban following a tussle with Liverpool's Emile Heskey.

Curbishley said: "What is disappointing is Rufus made one challenge and got booked for it. Now he is suspended. But he is one of our most consistent players and I believe he has a good future ahead of him."

Liverpool won through goals from Heskey, Markus Babbel and a Mark Fish own goal.