December 3 2007

Selhurst Park

FRANCK Songo'o has been given a second chance to impress Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock.

Last week Warnock suggested the French winger would be returning to host club Portsmouth after a poor month's spell with the Eagles.

But after a sparkling display for the reserves, Warnock handed the Pompey man a shock recall for the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Saturday and wants him to stay longer.

"I saw him play in the reserves and he was good as I've seen him," said Warnock.

"I told him he could go back to Portsmouth but he asked me if he could stay and fight for his place and show me what he can do because I thought he was very poor against QPR.

"And he has done that, there was no frills and he has done what I expect players like him to do."

Songo'o was delighted to feature against the Baggies and wants to remain in London and prove his worth to Warnock.

"My performance against QPR was very bad - it wasn't my day," said the 20-year-old. "But I know I can show more and be better than that so I want to stay and prove it - it was a very bad game for me so I understand why the manager dropped me.

"I'm here now until January and that's what happens in football - things can happen quickly and both ways - but I'm happy."