February 28 2001

Tommy Black

Eagles midfielder Tommy Black is confident that the team can bounce back after having suffered disappointing 0-1 defeats in their last two league matches. Palace face Preston NE and Birmingham next within a few days of each other.

The Eagles are getting close to the relegation zone and therefore can't afford any slip-ups

Black said: "We have been on a bit of a sticky run recently but we have only lost two of the last eight, which is encouraging. We know we should be picking up more points, particularly at home, and these two games give us the chance to do that."

About the 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United he said: "We had been the dominant force in the first half but couldn't take the chances. Clinton had a decent opening early on and then had a shot cleared off the line, plus we hit the bar in injury time. Those missed opportunities gave them confidence and they hit us with a goal early in the second half, which rocked us a bit."

The former Arsenal man himself had a good game against The Blades and looks to be getting back to his best after a dip in form half-way through the campaign.

Black is hoping to end the season on a high: "It's always good to get back in the side after the manager has left you out in the cold a little bit," he admitted. "I was pleased with my performance at Sheffield United and hopefully I can hold down a first team place and prove my quality to everybody."