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Ambrose's aim

Darren Ambrose is hoping a recent operation on his hip will end three years of niggling groin problems.

The Charlton star went under the knife of top surgeon Richard Villar at London's Wellington Hospital just under two weeks ago and is expected to be out of action for at least three months.

And, while being frustrated at possibly missing a large chunk of pre-season, Ambrose is hopeful that the operation will finally clear up his ongoing groin injuries.

Ambrose told the official website: "I've had a groin problem for about three years now but it's only since Steve Allen came in as the club's physio that we got to the root of the problem as he found out the pain in my groin was all stemming from my hip. More of story 1

Powell keen to play on

Chris Powell has revealed he plans to extend his playing career for at least one more season - whether that is at Charlton or elsewhere.

The fans' favourite, who concluded a cameo appearance in the final match of the 2007/08 campaign by scoring Charlton's fourth goal against Coventry City, has already been told by manager Alan Pardew that the club's playing budget next season may not allow him to retain the 38-year-old, whether solely as a player or a player/coach.

Powell is keen not to hang up his boots just yet, but although he may have to move to another club, the man who has already had three spells with the Addicks has refused to rule out another 'homecoming' in the future.

"I definitely want to carry on playing,” said Chris after several national newspapers, slightly misconstruing events after the final whistle last Sunday, suggested the former England international would retire this summer. More of story 2

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