Premiership: Charlton new boy targets World Cup

Jorge Costa hopes his move to Charlton will re-ignite his dream of playing for Portugal in the World Cup.

Costa joined Charlton for £4m after being exiled from Porto after a huge bust-up with coach Octavio Machado.

He has agreed a five-month loan deal, with the fee expected to be paid when the move is made permanent in May.

Costa could feature at Chelsea on Wednesday night, although his new manager Alan Curbishley will first assess the centre-back's match fitness because he has not played a game for almost two months.

Costa skipped training with Porto on Sunday to jet into London and tie up the deal he hopes will help secure his place in the Portugal squad for the 2002 World Cup.

"I want to do well for Charlton and I hope our national team manager will pick me for the World Cup," said Costa.

"I would tell a lie if I didn't expect that.

"In Portugal, I watched the English Premiership. I didn't know very much about Charlton. But since they contacted me I have tried to find out more about them - and I know more about Charlton now than I knew last week.

"The circumstances are not what I hoped they'd be, but I've come here and I'll do my best.

"I don't want to talk about Porto - I'm thinking about playing for Charlton and Charlton only. I'm here for five months, and then we'll make a decision about the future.

"I've been here since yesterday. Everybody's tried to be very helpful and has made me very welcome to this club. I miss my family but I will get over that and do what I have to do."

Curbishley described the move as "a marriage perfect for both sides".

He said: "I know the reason Jorge Costa is here. He wants to play football and loves playing football. If he grabs the opportunity he sees it as a chance to get back in the Portuguese team.

"He hasn't played for Porto for six or seven weeks. He has come here with one or two things to prove - and we want to help him to achieve that.

"The marriage is perfect for both sides.

"I hope he is successful with us and then goes to the World Cup, because that is the plan. I hope he comes into our club and gives us the leadership and defensive qualities he undoubtedly has."

Charlton also announced the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Chris Bart-Williams on a month's loan.