Powell: We can follow in Lions' footsteps

Charlton fans should be enjoying what promises to be the club's best season in the Premiership but Chris Powell thinks it could be spoiled for them by Millwall.

Alan Curbishley's side go to Manchester United tomorrow and are within striking distance of fourth place and Champions League qualification.

They would settle for finishing above their highest previous Premiership rank of ninth, even though they are hopeful of getting into Europe. But Millwall's qualification for next season's UEFA Cup courtesy of an FA Cup Final appearance would take the shine off their success.

Powell said: "The fans regard Millwall as rivals. I am sure our fans won't be happy if they are in Europe and we are not.

"There are probably a lot of people who will be unhappy about the way they got there but you take whatever chance you have. We have to try to take the opportunity we have to finish in the top five or six in the Premiership."

Powell thinks that it will grate with Charlton fans that Millwall got to the FA Cup Final without playing a top-flight side.

They will get the competition's UEFA Cup place because opponents Manchester United should qualify for the Champions League through the Premiership.

Powell is pleased for Millwall but admits he would take any route into Europe for Charlton, even through the Fair Play league. The defender said: "It would be heartbreakingif we finished sixth and did not get into Europe.

"We will endeavour to finish fourth or fifth and we are up there with a fighting chance. We have earned that chance."

Charlton missed the chance to move into the European places when they drew 1-1 with Birmingham at The Valley.

Matt Holland equalised Clinton Morrison's opener but Curbishley's team were short on inspiration and the manager may change the starting line-up for the trip to Old Trafford.

Powell, however, deserves to keep his place after getting a run in the side.

He may have spent much of the season in the reserves but he is in good form and expects to sign a new one-year deal with the club before his contract runs out in the summer.

"I have been here six seasons and really like it," he said. "I have not played as much as I would have liked this term but I have trained hard and been professional. I would like to stay for another year.

"Charlton offered me a new contract a number of months back but we have not got around to talking about it. We will though and it will not be a drawn out affair.

"It does not depend on me playing in the team. I don't think anyone can say that. I am happy that the boss wants me to carry on at least for another year.

"I will endeavour to play for as long as I can and I am sure it will be at Charlton."

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