July 31 2002

Crystal Palace

Trevor Francis is currently assessing DELE ADEBOLA in training, and has placed him into the squad for tonight's match against Spurs.

ADEBOLA has trained with the team since Monday and Trevor Francis knows the player's abilities very well, having signed him from Crewe whilst he was the manager of Birmingham.

Francis said: "ADEBOLA's here because we have a long-term injury to Akinbiyi. I invited him down to take part in training.

"When he's played we can sit down and go from there. I know all about his playing ability because I signed him at Birmingham.

"He's here just to check on his present condition because he hasn't played much for them due to injuries."