Ghoochannejhad scored in each of Iran’s final three qualification games to ensure his nation’s passage to this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. Queiroz’s side face Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Nigeria in the group stages but, although Ghoochannejhad names Messi as one of his role models, he will not think that far ahead. For now, he insists his priority is to help keep Charlton in the second tier. It was Ghoochannejhad’s childhood dream to play in England, yet he joins a side three points adrift of safety in the Championship — albeit with two games in hand. Charlton have not won a league game since Boxing Day, but have knocked Oxford United and Huddersfield out of the Cup. Boss Chris Powell, whose picture as a Charlton player adorns the walls at the training ground, is under pressure, but Ghoochannejhad pleads for time.
