October 24 2006

John Salako

JOHN SALAKO reckons Peter Taylor's squad rotation is harming Crystal Palace's promotion prospects.

The Eagles have hit a bad patch of form with just two wins from the last 11 matches and slipped to 12th in the table.

Clinton Morrison, Shefki Kuqi, Michael Hughes and Matt Lawrence have been in and out of the team and made their feelings known to boss Taylor.

SALAKO, 37, who made 273 appearances for Palace over a nine-year spell, insists a settled side is the only way to get Palace's season back on track.

He said: "I spoke to Sam Hammam last Saturday. He told me that Cardiff have only 13-14 outfield players.

"I then talked with Clinton Morrison at Palace - the lad is totally frustrated because he isn't playing that often.

"Morrison, Kuqi, Hughes and Lawrence were all supposedly in manager Peter Taylor's office complaining about not getting enough games.

"The rotation of a huge number of players can be a problem. Players will feel under big pressure - especially if they don't grasp a rare chance to play with both hands."

SALAKO believes Palace's best players will be sold if they fail to win promotion to the Premiership. Parachute payments from the Eagles' relegation from the top flight will be finished at the end of the campaign.

"Palace are withing touching distance of where they want to be, but it doesn't seem to be happening," he said.

"Looking at it, you'd believe the club has a certain time set to regain Premiership status. Otherwise the possibility of Palace selling more prized assets could be there."