August 31 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are likely to pull out of their efforts to sign Boro's Andy Campbell after it was revealed that the young striker must have another ankle operation.

The Eagles had already agreed a £1m fee with Boro last month, but switch fell through when Campbell failed a medical because of to the injury.

Eagles boss Steve Bruce commented: "I'm disappointed, because I wanted to get the deal back on.

"I like Andy as a player, but I think the timing's going to fall really badly.

"He could be out for a while now, and I think I'll need to get someone in before he comes back. It's just a case of bad timing."

Meanwhile, physio Gary Sadler has left Palace this week and joined First Division rivals Portsmouth.

Former Nottingham Forest physio GEORGE COOPER has been appointed as his replacement.