CHARLTON striker Shaun Bartlett is hoping he can form a prolific partnership with the club’s £2.6m summer signing Francis Jeffers.

Bartlett and Jeffers have yet to start a game alongside each other but linked up well for the latter stages of Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Birmingham.

Jeffers has mostly been kicking his heels on the substitutes’ bench since Charlton switched to a 4-5-1 formation in early November.

It has been a frustrating time for the former Arsenal striker who has had limited opportunity to show Addicks fans the form that earned him an England cap - and a goal as a substitute against Australia in 2003 - and made him an £8m player earlier in his career.

Jeffers’ appearances have predominantly been restricted because his game is not suited to playing up front on his own in what has proved a successful formation for the Addicks. Bartlett, on the other hand, has the necessary attributes and has made the role his own.

Playing as a lone frontman requires a certain amount of self-sacrifice with a strong emphasis on being a target man and bringing other people into the game. Often this is at the expense of doing what every striker loves more than anything - scoring goals himself.

Although Bartlett has excelled in the role, he would like the chance for his partnership with Jeffers to develop.

"It has been a while since I scored," said Bartlett, after netting his first goal at The Valley this season against Birmingham. "My performances have been all right but I think, as a striker, you want to score.

"I have been reassured by the gaffer that I am doing well and working hard for the team, which is what I need to do. If we get three points in a game and I don’t score, then I am more than happy with that.

"I think any striker would prefer to have somebody next to him. It can get quite lonely up there sometimes and it lessens the workload. I would welcome somebody next to me. In training me and Francis have got a good understanding going and I am hoping this could be the start of things to come.

"One of my big attributes is that I am good in the air and he’s one of those guys that runs off that. You can see from his movement that he knows what to do and where to go. We make a good combination."

However, with the transfer window now in full swing, Bartlett could find himself with some fresh competition.

Addicks boss Alan Curbishley has been linked with other forwards, notably Valencia striker Bernardo Corradi and, last week, Marseille attacker Peguy Luyindula.

Bartlett added: "I do not feel under pressure because of it. I have always said I thrive on things like this. As long as I am doing what is expected of me, then the decision is up to the gaffer who he wants to play. I would welcome anyone to come here."

Bartlett’s all-action style has led to him suffering more than his share of injuries but he hopes his problems are behind him and he can look forward to helping the club's push for Europe.

He said: "We’ve been talking about finishing in the top 10 over the past two or three years but, as players, you want to go that step further. Hopefully, we can get in the top 10 but if we can make a European place then that would be brilliant."