Charlton midfielder Bryan Hughes predicts a January spending spree will lift the Addicks out of the Barclays Premiership relegation zone.

Hughes left Birmingham for The Valley in 2004 and recalls the Blues' troubled return to the Premiership two years earlier when they endured a season-long battle against the drop but admits a January recruitment drive saved Birmingham and expects Alan Pardew to follow suit.

Hughes said: "We managed to stay clear of relegation. I'm sure Alan will have his sights on bringing one or two new faces in to the club and it will probably give us that lift we need as well."