January 13 2004

Danny Granville

Transfer-listed defender Danny Granville is hoping his return to form under new boss Iain Dowie will secure his future at Palace, by Joseph O'Shea.

The full-back, who will be 29 on Monday, was placed on the listed by former boss Steve Kember at the start of the season, and lost his place to 18-year-old Gary Borrowdale.

But the former Chelsea, Leeds and Man City player won his place back for Saturday's draw with Burnley and was outstanding when a 12th minute injury to Curtis Fleming, meant an unlikely switch to centre back.

Granville told the Guardian: "When I had to switch, I must admit I thought ‘oh here we go’ but I just tried to do a job. I am really pleased with how it went. From a defensive point of view it was great to keep a clean sheet, with a stand-in back four."

With the game heading for a draw, Granville arrived at the back post and looked to have hammered the winner, but Brian Jensen somehow kept it out.

He said: "I smashed it and thought it was going in, but it’s actually hit the goalkeeper’s shoulder. I couldn’t believe it - that’s been my luck lately."

Maybe his luck is about to change, because his new manager was very impressed with what he saw.

Dowie said: "Danny did very well. He showed me what he is all about with his performance. He was composed, defended for his life and had one or two attacking opportunities.

"Now it's all about being consistent day in day out. There must have been a reason he has been left out of the side and now he can give me a reason why he should be left in it. He has shown me that today."

Granville has a year to run on his contract after this season and doesn’t want to leave.

He added: "I have really enjoyed it under Iain Dowie so far and I just want to continue the progress I feel I am making. I feel in great shape, the best I have been for a while.

"My aim is to maintain that level of play and get some consistency. I don’t want to sit back now I have got to push on and help the team. I have another year here after this one, and I want to stay and be part of it."

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