January 19 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Alan Smith is facing defensive problems for the game against Gillingham at Selhurst Park this weekend. The Eagles will be without Fan Zhiyi, Hayden Mullins and CRAIG HARRISON.

Alan Smith will have to replace experienced defender Fan Zhiyi, on form CRAIG HARRISON and promising Hayden Mullins for the clash aginst Gillingham on Saturday.

Fan Zhiyi is out with a hamstring strain picked up during the midweek FA Cup replay against Sunderland. HARRISON misses the game because of a suspension after picking up five bookings while Hayden Mullins starts his 3 match ban following his sending off at Sunderland earlier this month.

Alan Smith is likely to recall Neil Ruddock and Andrew Frampton to the squad and Tommy Black looks set to take Mullins' place in midfield.

Possible Palace line-up: Kolinko, Smith, Austin, Frampton, Ruddock, Black, Rodger, Thomson, Rubins, Morrison and Forssell.

The Eagles will be keen on taking revenge on Gillingham for the 4-1 defeat at the Priestfield Stadium a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Palace are reported to have been showing interest in Crewe's transfer listed keeper Clayton Ince.

The South London club are looking to sign another keeper to replace Lee Kendall who was sold to Cardiff City three weeks ago and are eyeing Trinidad and Tobagan international Ince.