March 14 2001

Simon Rodger

SIMON RODGER is facing a race to be fit for for this weekend's clash with Division One leaders Fulham at Selhurst Park.

Smith's side could do with some experience against the league leaders who are on their way to winning the title.

Crystal Palace are still without the suspended Craig Harrison who is suffering from a shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, a number of Palace players have been called up for international duty.

Wayne Carlisle has been called up for the Northern Ireland under 21 squad who play Czech Republic on March 23 and Bulgaria four days later.

Stephen Evans was added to the Welsh under 21 squad who face Armenia and the Ukraine.

Andrejs Rubins, Alex Kolinko (both Latvia), Mikael Forssell (Finland) and Ricardo Fuller (Jamaica) are also called up by their countries' senior squads.

The Eagles' trip to Portsmouth planned for Friday week has been called off due to these international call-ups.