February 1 2001

Alex Kolinko

Eagles keeper ALEX KOLINKO is confident about winning promotion next season.

The Latvian international is poised to play in the Premiership and expects to be in the top-flight in 2002 with Palace.

KOLINKO, who was signed from Skonto Riga earlier this season, has turned in a string of impressive performances for the club lately and believes that Palace can seriously battle for a promotion place next season.

The keeper, who is taking English classes three times a week, admits that English football is more physically and mentally demanding than what he was used to in Latvia.

"My ambition is to play in the Premier League. I know that's impossible this season, but next year perhaps we can win promotion.

"I always knew Palace had some very good players, but when I first arrived, we were not playing as a team. Now we are getting better and I think we can be a Premiership club," the Latvian said.

Meanwhile, The Eagles reserves beat Bristol City 2-0 at the National Sports Centre on Thursday night.

Jonathon Boardman made it 1-0 on 85 minutes and trialist Thiam Brahim made it two with a spectaular goal from the half-way line just before the final whistle.