September 14 2001

Crystal Palace

Steve Bruce will give a late fitness test to American international GREGG BERHALTER ahead of the match away to Portsmouth tomorrow.

The defender limped off in the second half of Wednesday night's Worthington Cup win over Everton. Aki Riihilahti replaced him and may start along with US striker Jovan Kirovski.

Long term injury casualty David Hopkin is still out, while Fan Zhiyi is still away with China.

Palace have lost their last two games in the league and will be keen to carry on their Worthington Cup league form. They have good memories from Fratton Park, after the crucial win there at the end of last season which resulted in Palace's safety from relegation.

Bruce said: "The matches are coming thick and fast and I've got a lot of young players who need to learn quickly."

Portsmouth manager Graham Rix will keep the same side which came back to draw against Wimbledon.

Midfielders Tom Curtis and Thomas Thorgerson are still not fit for the first tea, while striker Lee Mills is out (broken arm) as too Shaun Derry (hamstring).

Rix said: "We have shown perseverance, character and belief in our last two games when we have come from behind.

"It goes without saying that it will not be easy against Crystal Palace but it's important that our character and belief show through."