MARK HUGHES is convinced his management mentor Les Reed will eventually haul Charlton away from relegation trouble.

Reed stepped into the breach at The Valley following the dismissal of Iain Dowie just 12 games into his reign as Alan Curbishley's successor.

So far, there has been little sign of an upturn in fortunes for the Addicks, who have picked up just a single Barclays Premiership point in three games under Reed going into tonight's home encounter with Blackburn.

But Rovers boss Hughes, who earned his UEFA pro-licence coaching badges under Reed during his time with the Football Association, believes he has the abilities to transform Charlton's fortunes.

"Les is a very knowledgeable football man," said Hughes. "He has done some fantastic work with the FA and has helped a lot of managers along the way with their preparation and work for the pro-licence, including me.

"Obviously, he has not been the main guy, so that will be different for him, and it will be interesting to see how someone who coaches managers handles managing himself.

"But he has the right qualities - and although it is difficult for him at the moment because Charlton are at the wrong end of the table, I am sure he will get everyone organised, turn the situation around and eventually prove to be a success."

Having only just seen his side end a run of six games without a win, Hughes is in no mood to give Reed a helping hand in the early days of his fledgling management career.

Blackburn have already encountered a team in similarly poor form this season, in West Ham. On that occasion they were on the wrong end of the scoreline, and Hughes does not want to experience a repeat.