April 30 2001

Andrejs Rubins

ANDREJS RUBINS might have to miss the final two games of this season with a leg injury.

RUBINS had to be strechered off after a crunching challenge from Wolves midfielder Keith Andrews who was sent off.

The Latvian winger injured his left leg, but the full extent of the injury is not yet known.

He is likely to miss the games against Portsmouth on Wednesday and then Stockport County on Sunday and his absence could give Julian Gray a first-team opportunity.

Meanwhile, Chairman Simon Jordan said that he will fight to keep hold of his key players if the club are relegated to the Second Division.

Youngsters Clinton Morrison and Hayden Mullins are players who have attracted Premier League clubs with Morrison recently being linked with a £3 million move to First Division champions Fulham.

Jamie Smith could be one of the players leaving Selhurst Park this summer. His contract runs out at the end of this season and there is no sign of talks starting over a new deal.

"It is certainly my intention to maintain our playing squad and even improve it because these things are necessary," said Jordan.