August 21 2001

Crystal Palace

Palace new signing TONY POPOVIC is set to make his debut tonight, replacing Chinese international Fan Zhiyi - who is now away on international duty for his country.

Eagles manager Steve Bruce said: "TONY is a quality player who is keeping Craig Moore and West Ham's Hayden Foxe out of the Australian side. He is a very good addition to our squad."

POPOVIC, who has 40 caps for Australia, could partner Greg Berhalter in defence tonight.

Bruce is determined to continue Palace's winning start to the season against Orient tonight.

"It will be tough. We know Orient will be wanting to turn us over, but we have to go there in the right frame of mind and be positive.", he said.

Orient's teenage striker Jabo Ibehre has recovered from an Achilles tendon injury and is expected to start this evening.