April 18 2001

Fan Zhiyi

Crystal Palace will be without inspirational Chinese defender Fan Zhiyi remaining four Division One matches. Zhiyi has been called up to China's World Cup squad to play a set of World Cup qualifiers.

The 31-year old flew out to China after Easter Monday's game against Bolton at Selhurst Park and will not return to England until after the end of the season.

Alan Smith tried to persuade the Chinese FA to let the defender stay at the Selhurst club for the remaining matches which are so important for the club as they try to avoid relegation to Division Two. But the Chinsese told Smith that Fan is to play in the World Cup qualifiers.