December 30 2001

Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis believes Palace can build on the 2-1 win at Bradford and make a play-off place at the end of the season.

It was a rare victory for the Eagles on their travels and Francis has made work on the defence a priority.

He said: "I still believe we are lacking a little bit of strength in depth, but if we can get some of our regulars back to full fitness then there's no reason why we cannot get into the top six.

"We've just got to start improving away from home. We must work harder to keep clean sheets because we've only had one on the road all season.

"I've tried to improve us from the back since I took over and I am currently in talks with another defender. I'm hoping something will happen on that front on Monday."

Second-choice keeper Alex Kolinko kept Palace in the game with a string of outstanding saves.

Francis added: "He has been back-up to Matt Clarke, who used to play for Bradford, but has been out for the last six games through injury.

"He has done well for us and today he was outstanding because he made several crucial saves in the second half."