February 23 2006

Crystal Palace centenary

Republic of Ireland international Colin Healy has pulled out of a potential move to Selhurst Park because he feels he would be unable to command a first team place under Iain Dowie, by Stuart Pink.

The 26-year-old, who has not played a competitive fixture since sustaining a broken leg while playing for Sunderland in December 2003, had been on trial at the club for two weeks.

But Healy decided to call time on his short stay with the Eagles due to his concerns of getting minimal first team action in his bid to return to top level football.

Palace director of football Bob Dowie said: "Colin is no longer with us. He didn't feel he would get in the team here so he's looking to join clubs at a lower level to prove himself there and maybe come back to us.

"It was his decision. He just felt he needed to play regularly and he couldn't do that here. But something could happen in the future."

Fellow Palace trialist Jermaine Beckford is due to play his first Eagles reserve game on Wednesday against Portsmouth.

The non-league striker, who has scored 28 goals this season for Ryman League side Wealdstone, is being targeted by a number of clubs including Premiership champions Chelsea, but Iain Dowie will hope to beat them to his signature if he impresses this week.

Meanwhile Palace midfielder Mikele Leigertwood has begun contract negotiations regarding extending his current deal which expires at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old ex-Wimbledon man has become an important member of Iain Dowie's first team squad partlybecause of his ability to play in a number of positions.

After being brought into the club as a centre back by Dowie, Leigertwood has revelled in his new midfield holding role, as well as filling in at both right and left back.

Leigertwood is keen to stay with the club and is hopeful a deal can be thrashed out as quickly as possible.

Leigertwood said: "Negotiations have started on the new contract and I'm very hopeful of staying.

"I've enjoyed my time here. Hopefully we can get something sorted the sooner the better."

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