January 18 2001

Fan Zhiyi

Crystal Palace are still in doubt about the full extent of the damage to Fan Zhiyi's hamstring injury. He picked up the injury in Wednesday's FA Cup defeat against Sunderland at Selhurst Park.

Fan Zhiyi got injured early in the second half and had to be replaced by Neil Ruddock. Until then Sunderland's strike force was kept quiet by the Chinaman, but after he had to go off Sunderland found the net 4 times.

The defender is a big doubt for this weekend's match against Gillingham, but Palace boss Alan Smith is more concerned abuot his availability in the Worthington Cup semi-final return leg against Liverpool at Anfield next week.

The Eagles are already without Hayden Mullins, who sits out a suspension, and the cup tied Dougie Freedman so it would be a major blow if the popular Fan Zhiyi would not be available for the game at Anfield where Palace defend a 2-1 lead.

Meanwhile, The Eagles are reported to be fighting Fulham for the services of Tranmere Rovers star Jason Koumas.

Palace have been following the midfielder for the past couple of months and Alan Smith even put in a bid of £1.5 million but Fulham coach Jean Tigana is understood to be chasing the England under-21 International as well.

Smith feels his offer of £1.5 million is a fair price but Tranmere are expected to ask for £3 million, which Smith is not likely to match.

Tranmere will want to hang on to Koumas until after their FA Cup fourth round tie against Everton next week.