January 7 2005

Kit Symons

Kit Symons believes Saturday's FA Cup clash with Sunderland will not provide a welcome distraction from Palace's league campaign because they can't wait to play their next Premiership match, by Stuart Pink.

Palace are on a high following their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Monday. But the players will have to wait until next Saturday to build on that vital victory because of the cup game.

Symons said: "We're loving every Premiership game at the moment, but we're looking at Saturday's game as just another big game because there's a lot at stake especially with the recent history between the two clubs."

Saturday's game will be the first time Palace have visited the Stadium of Light since last May's memorable play-off semi-final victory, where the Eagles triumphed on penalties after Darren Powell's last gasp equaliser.

But with Palace's Premiership safety a priority, Palace boss Iain Dowie is likely to make changes to his side, which according to his assistant, shouldn't make much of a difference.

One player who may well feature in the fixture is club captain Neil Shipperley, who featured on Palace's bench for the first time in the Premiership this season after a long injury lay-off.

Symons believes his selection was a reward for his hard work in getting back to full fitness.

Symons added: "It's a bit of a boost for him. He's worked hard with his fitness, you need to realise that by working hard it will pay off.

"He's done everything right and forced his way back into the fold."

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