May 4 2004

Iain Dowie

IAIN DOWIE has been boosted by the news that Nico Vaesen will be allowed to stay for Palace's play-off bid.

There were worries Birmingham may have have recalled the on-loan keeper as cover for Maik Taylor's suspension.

But DOWIE said: "Steve Bruce has been brilliant in allowing us to keep him because he was tempted to bring him back to Birmingham.

"But we've got him until the end of the season now and he's been fantastic. He can play in the play-offs."