MARK Hughes admits the experience of defender Stephane Henchoz is vital to the Blackburn Rovers cause as they hunt down another capital scalp tonight.

The Swiss centre-back delivered his best display in a Blackburn shirt last Saturday since completing a summer return to Ewood Park.

Replacing injured Zurab Khizanishvili, the tough defender offered a timely reminder of his qualities as Rovers beat Fulham 2-0 to end a six-match Premiership streak without a win.

And Henchoz is likely to partner Andre Ooijer against rock-bottom Charlton tonight, provided he shakes off a dead leg in time.

As Blackburn bid to complete back-to-back victories over London clubs and edge nearer to the top half of the table, manager Hughes praised the 32-year-old former Liverpool and Wigan man.

"Stephane has shown his experience," said Hughes. "When he first came to the club, he hadn't played for a number of months and wasn't up to the fitness level that would allow him to play well when he was needed.

"At the weekend he was excellent. He was calm and composed when he needed to be.

"And when he needed to put his foot through the ball, he certainly did that and got us up the field.

"He's an experienced guy. He's won trophies. That experience helps you to win games. He's used to winning football matches, so he knows what it takes."

Henchoz, who spent two seasons at Ewood Park between 1997-99, did not train with the Rovers squad yesterday and faces a late fitness check.

With Khizanishvili and Ryan Nelsen sidelined with respective groin and hamstring injuries, Hughes is hoping that he will be ready to face the struggling Addicks.

He added: "We are hopeful that he will come through because Zurab is not available.

"He's got a dead leg but the bruising has come out which is a good sign.

"Andy Todd was ill over the weekend but trained yesterday, so we are struggling in that department."

Hughes revealed that Nelsen and midfielder Steven Reid, sidelined since September with a stress fracture of the back, are making good progress but will not return to action until at least mid-January.

"It was Steven's first day back doing any serious work, so that's a positive," added Hughes.

"And I saw Ryan Nelsen running around the field which is something we are very pleased to see."

After re-discovering their winning touch on Saturday, Hughes is hoping Rovers can build up a head of steam ahead of the Christmas period.

But he stressed that his side are unlikely to find it easy against Charlton, who are desperate to climb off the foot of the Premiership.

He added: "It's a similar situation to when we faced up to West Ham.

"Unfortunately, we didn't get a positive result out of that one, but we don't want a similar situation.

"I sensed at the weekend that we were really focused on the next few games that we have.

"Obviously, the first part of that was getting three points against Fulham and now we've got to get back to back wins, because it's vitally important.

"At Christmas, you get a clear idea of who will struggle and who could be fighting at the top end and going for those European places. I think the next five or six games will shape that."