August 4 2009

Shaun Derry

Skipper Shaun Derry wants Crystal Palace to "do a Burnley" next season.

The Clarets surprised many observers by winning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs and Derry is hopeful Palace can emulate Owen Coyle's side.

"We've got to take heart from what Burnley did last year," he said. "They only used eighteen or nineteen players and hopefully we can emulate them.

"We played them in the first two or three games last year and with all due respect to Owen Coyle's team we didn't think they would be setting the League alight but as time went on their team spirit grew stronger. Hopefully we can have a similar type of season."

Derry, who has fully recovered from his shoulder injury sustained at the end of last season, is confident of a good start to the new campaign at home to Plymouth this Saturday.

"We want at least a draw, hopefully a win," said the 31-year-old. "We want to make Selhurst Park a fortress."