August 15 2003

Nationwide Division One

MICHAEL HUGHES will make his long-awaited debut for Palace in the home game against Watford on Saturday.

HUGHES, 32, has been out of the game for a year following a dispute between Wimbledon and Birmingham over his registration.

Hayden Mullins and Danny Granville are still recovering from hernia operations. Matt Clarke will return between the sticks after being rested for the Torquay cup win on Tuesday night.

Steve Kember told the official site: "I said before the match that I would be sticking Cedric in to allow Matt Clarke a bit of recovery time.

"Clarkey’s not long back from a lengthy lay-off so we have to make sure we’re careful with him and nurse him back to full fitness. I knew Cedric wouldn’t let me down, and so he proved.

"The most important thing for me this season is the league. Obviously we want to win every match we play but the main target is success in Division One.

"Saturday’s match against Watford is going to be a hard test for us, especially after two difficult games in the opening week.

"Your support so far has been superb and I know the lads appreciated you up at Burnley when the going got tough – so a big thank you goes out to you all.

"I know you’ll get behind the lads tomorrow as always. Let’s hope we can give you the three points you, and I, want."

Former Palace striker Bruce Dyer has re-joined Watford, after Palace signed him from the Hornets in 1994 making him the first £1m teenager.

He joined on a free from Barnsley and will be keen to score against his old team - when he's not caught offside that is!

Another old boy is Watford boss Ray Lewington, who had a spell as assistant manager at Selhurst Park.

Paul Robinson is back from suspension, Wayne Brown could play after coming back from injury, while Jason Norville is rated doubtful.

It will be Watford's first league match of the season following the tragic death of Jimmy Davis last Saturday.