Bartlett quits Bafana Bafana

The South African marksman has been at the centre of a succession of club-versus-country rows when called up to play for his country.

Bartlett has now decided to quit the international so as to avoid another confrontation over the African Cup of Nations in January.

The 30-year-old, who won 66 caps and scored an impressive 27 goals for his country, is out of contract at the end of the season and wants to impress his club sufficiently to secure a fresh deal.

"I'm in the last year of my contract and am playing for a new deal," said Bartlett.

"I've spoken to the South African authorities and explained my decision. I told them it was time for me to concentrate on my club career.

"They tried to talk me round but I'd already made up my mind."

Addicks boss Alan Curbishley pushed Bartlett to quit South Africa as he was missing too much action for the side by playing so many internationals.

"We were in a ridiculous situation where he'd go missing for six weeks over Christmas," said Curbishley.

"We said to Shaun it wasn't on. We pay his wages so asked what his priority was."