December 10 2004

Iain Dowie

Palace boss Iain Dowie hopes his side can use last Saturday's disappointment to their advantage when the Eagles take on Blackburn in a relegation six-pointer' on Saturday.

Dowie admitted that Charlton's last-gasp win at Selhurst Park was a cruel blow to his side, but he will ensure that his players respond positively and get the correct result against fellow strugglers Blackburn.

Dowie said: "We need to bounce back from that with style, we'll make sure training is bright and sharp and expect the lads to be guns blazing this week and hope that defeat forges a bit of hunger.

"They feel a bit of injustice, which is rightly so, but let's use that in a positive way and not wallow in it, get it out on the training ground, get some sweat on our brows and get some fire in our belly."

Blackburn are currently one place below Palace in the table, but the two clubs are only separated by goal difference which makes it a must win game for the Eagles and a welcome boost before the busy Christmas fixtures.

Dowie said: "It's a key game and we've got the key Christmas period coming up and there will be lots of twists and turns coming our way.

"We need to make sure we put in an even better performance on Saturday and get a result."

The Palace boss also confirmed that his spat with Tottenham manager Martin Jol has been resolved after a telephone call between the two supposed warring bosses.

Dowie added: "I've spoken to Martin and it's not a problem, he was misquoted badly. I've always said I respected Martin."

And when prompted to see if Dowie would go out for a beer with him as Jol suggested Dowie said: "Certainly, I'll even buy him one!"