August 19 2002

Crystal Palace

Trevor Francis has called on new signing DELE ADEBOLA to relax after seeing him make his league debut for Palace.

ADEBOLA, who signed a one-year contract, a few days before the Portsmouth match did not score but was desperate to show Palace fans what he can bring to the club.

Francis said: "I think he was trying too hard to impress. He was uptight and it's difficult to perform when you're tense.

"He gives us another option without [Ade] Akinbiyi because we need a physical presence. But I expect he'll settle in quickly."