May 3 2006

Clinton Morrison

Clinton Morrison is hoping his luck will change in the play-offs after he had a perfectly good goal ruled out on Sunday on his return to the Palace starting line-up, by Stuart Pink.

The 26-year-old was axed from Iain Dowie's first 11 for last week's game against Southampton following a poor display against Burnley, which even prompted Morrison himself to agree with the manager's decision.

But after coming off the bench to score the winner against the Saints, the Republic of Ireland international was given 90 minutes against Sheffield United on Sunday to try and earn a starting place alongside Andrew Johnson for the play-off semi-final.

A goal would have done Morrison's case no harm, but unfortunately for the striker his effort was wrongly disallowed for offside which he feels sums up his current luck.

"It looked like I was level, but that's how my luck has been going this year," said Morrison. "Hopefully the luck will change in the play-offs."

The 1-0 defeat by the Blades means the Eagles will face third placed Watford in the play-off semi-final. Morrison admits that despite playing the team which finished the highest out of the four teams involved in the play-offs, it was the best draw for the club.

Morrison added: "The first game is at home so we will have a great atmosphere. Watford is in London so for the away leg we'll have a lot of fans. It'll be like a home game which is pleasing as we won't have to do a lot of travelling."

"It will be an open game. Getting Preston would have meant a hard game and we would rather have a one-off game against them.

"Against Watford, it'll be open, attacking football. It'll be an enjoyable game and hopefully we'll get the goals we need."

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