February 5 2001

Jamie Smith

JAMIE SMITH is ready to discuss a new contract with Crystal Palace.

SMITH's contract runs out at the end of this season but has not been offered a new deal yet by his manager Alan SMITH.

The 26-year old was placed on the transfer list together with Clinton Morrison and Hayden Mullins by the Eagles boss earlier this season, but he did well lately and regained his place in the first team.

JAMIE SMITH said: Being in the last year of my contract, I need to be playing and show what I can do to see if I can impress enough to get a new deal from the gaffer.

"I think I've done well enough to warrant a new contract but it's not up to me. I need security so a one-year deal would be of no good to me."

He added: "Right now I'm sitting tight but ideally I'd like to stay here. The chairman's come here, put his money where his mouth is and wants the club to go forward."

Meanwhile, Palace's away game at Portsmouth has been put back to Friday March 23.

The game, that kicks off at 7.45, was originaly scheduled for Saturday March 24, but the game will now be played on Friday because of international matches being played on the Saturday.