September 6 2001

Crystal Palace

Boss Steve Bruce believes new goalkeeper MATT CLARKE will be the man to plug his side's leaky defence.

CLARKE passed a medical today and is set to go straight into the team that faces Millwall at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The Eagles conceded nine goals in their last four games, with Latvian international goalie Alex Kolinko shouldering most of the blame.

A delighted Steve Bruce said he is confident CLARKE can turn things around.

He said: "We need to work on our defence and I've been trying to bring someone in who can help with that. We've been too careless.

"MATT is an excellent keeper, who is confident in the air and able to dominant his penalty box.

"I am very pleased he has joined the club and I am sure he will prove that he is an excellent signing."