November 19 2003

Kit Symons

Kit Symons will have no time to dwell on Wales' European Championship destiny, because he will be back at Palace on Thursday preparing for three games in eight days, by Joe O'Shea.

Symons is expected to be on the bench tonight (Wednesday) for Wales’ crucial Euro 2004 play off second leg against Russia at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

The 32-year-old centre back watched from the bench in Moscow on Saturday as his team-mates secured a hard-fought stalemate, and expects a similarly tough match in the return.

He said: "It was brilliant, a very professional performance from the boys which sets up the second leg nicely. The Russians had a lot of possession and were very good technically, but everyone worked their socks off.

"They will be very dangerous on the break, so there’s a lot to do, but we are in a fantastic position."

Symons hopes to add to his 36 caps for Wales from the bench but whatever the result, straight after the game he will head back to SE25 to start preparing for games against Walsall away on Saturday, Stoke away on Tuesday and the visit of Coventry next week.

He told the Guardian: "If I am needed at any point against Russia, in any way shape or form, I will be ready. Playing for my country is something I am very proud of and I always give 100 per cent commitment to it.

"But I must admit that this week I have been very involved with Palace and have spoken to Stuart (Gray), once, sometimes twice a day, so I am not coming back cold. He has been excellent and I feel like I have won the lottery getting him in to help."

Gray has been in temporary charge, and admitted he would be pleased if Symons stays on the bench tonight.

He said: "From a selfish point of view, I’m pleased he didn’t get on and pick up an injury. It looks like he won't start for the return leg either."

Symons has been promised a month in charge by Simon Jordan, which gives him five games to prove his worth, with four away trips including a league cup tie at Aston Villa.

He will be without Darren Powell (thigh) for two weeks, Aki Riihilahti (shin) for three and Shaun Derry for one match through suspension. But he is boosted by the return of Michael Hughes who is back in training after a hamstring injury