January 9 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace defender NEIL RUDDOCK is confident about beating his former club Liverpool over two semi-final legs. 'Razor' believes that The Eagles can reach the Worthington Cup final.

RUDDOCK is banned for the first leg of the semi-final on Wednesday at Selhurst Park but he is still confident about reaching the final of the Worthington Cup.

The former England defender pointed out that Palace have already knocked out Premier League clubs Leicester and Sunderland and that they are capable of doing the same with Liverpool.

"They will not enjoy coming to Selhurst Park. They will be nervous and worried about being embarrassed," RUDDOCK said.

"We've got the heart, the desire and also a little talent.

"Everyone expects them to turn us over easily as they are a massive club with lots of money and players who earn more in a week than some of ours do in half a year."

Meanwhile, Hayden Mullins will face a a three-match suspension following his red card against Sunderland on Saturday.

He will have to sit out the home game against Gillingham, the Worthington Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield and the FA Cup Fourth Round tie if Palace win the replay against Sunderland.

If The Eagles lose their replay against Sunderland Mullins will miss West Brom's visit on February 3.