March 2 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have signed young Arsenal defender Matthew Upson and Ipswich left-back Amir Karic on a month's loan today. Alan Smith has been looking to strengthen his side's defense the last couple of weeks.

Matthew Upson, who signed a deal until April 7th, has had 29 appearances for Arsenal but injuries have kept him from breaking through.

He has now come to Palace on loan in a bid to get his career back on track.

Upson started his career at Luton Town and switched to Arsenal for a fee of £1m in May 1997.

The 21 year-old has been capped six times at Under 21 level by England.

Amir Karic, whose deal terminates on April 3rd, has struggeled to get first team football since moving to Ipswich from Slovenian outfit NK Maribor for a fee of £700,000.

The 27-year old who has become renowned for his powerful left foot is hoping to impress during his loan spell at Selhurst Park.

Both players are expected to go straight into the squad that takes on Preston North End on Saturday.