It's Paolo Di cameo

Paolo di Canio is set to have become a bit- part player at Charlton by the time his contract runs out in the summer.

The Italian came on as a substitute late on in the defeat at Manchester United last night and has not started any of his side's last four games.

His prospects for the final four matches of the season are no better and manager Alan Curbishley has sidestepped talk of offering Di Canio a new deal.

He said: "We know what we he can do when he comes on nice and fresh and I would like to think that he understands that.

"We have got four games left and I have told the squad that anything can happen. We have a chance to finish higher than our best position of ninth, so I am not too concerned about individuals."

Talk like that at Di Canio's previous club, West Ham, was a clear indication of a falling-out behind the scenes.

When it followed his omission from a squad due to one of his infamous illnesses, supporters would be convinced there was a rift.

But if Di Canio is unhappy about the way things are going for him at Charlton after making 20 league starts for the club this season, he is maintaining a dignified silence.

He said in February he wanted a new contract at the club when his one-year deal expires and has not talked about his future publicly since.

When he came on for the final 17 minutes last night he looked lively, even though the contest was already over.

Louis Saha had scored for United from a tight angle after David Bellion was allowed to run at the Charlton defence in the 28th minute.

Paul Konchesky thought he had won a penalty for Curbishley's side after the break but was booked for diving when he went down under Gary Neville's challenge.

Saha then set-up the England defender for United's second goal shortly before Di Canio's arrival.

But the Italian was still prepared to run at defenders and try his flicks as he tried to add a cutting edge to the neat possession football his team had managed.

Charlton's best chance came when he was on the pitch, as Shaun Bartlett headed a Claus Jensen cross against the post. The Italian's place on the periphery at Charlton could be down to nothing more sinister than his advancing years.

Di Canio will be 36-years-old in July and no matter how fit he keeps himself, he will find it increasingly difficult to keep up with the pace of the Premiership.

Whether that will prevent him earning a new contract at Charlton is probably still to be decided.

Curbishley wants to bring in a new striker this summer and will have to make room if he achieves his aim of a similar size squad for next season. But Di Canio has proved an important figure for Charlton on the training ground since his last summer.

Curbishley has been full of praise for the way the Italian has helped some of the younger players and his experience would be useful if Charlton get into Europe, although, after last night's result, a UEFA Cup place may be their most likely route rather than the Champions League.

Goalkeeper Dean Kiely said: "The United game passed us by a bit but we will re-group and our thoughts turned to playing at Fulham on Saturday straight afterwards.

"It is still all there for us to play for and we have an opportunity to do something special this season.

"We have got to finish the job off. We want something to show for what we have done. It is about getting into Europe."

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson was unaware that Roy Keane would be requested to travel to Poland with the Republic of Ireland next week - but he will not be stopping him.

Keane played the final 17 minutes last night after his recent hamstring problem and Ferguson said: "I was not aware he would be travelling to Poland. I think Roy is in control of the situation and he knows exactly what is needed.

"Between himself and [Ireland coach] Brian Kerr they will make sure it is right. He needs games after the time he has missed."