March 17 2002

Curtis Fleming has set his sights on the home game against Birmingham for his return from injury.

He is currently recovering from a torn hamstring which he sustained in the 0-0 draw with Portsmouth on March 5.

The Irishman was on loan at Birmingham earlier in the season and joined Palace when Brum boss Steve Bruce wouldn't give him a permanent deal.

He told the South London Press: "I've been doing some stretching and next week hopefully I'll be running and then kicking a ball.

"It's only a slight tear and I'd like to be back for the Birmingham game. It's a massive game and obviously it's significant for me because I was there earlier in the season but chose Palace ahead of them.

"I've had a hamstring injury before and played on which meant I was out for seven weeks. That's experience kicking in, I didn't want to miss that much football again. So when I felt it go against Portsmouth I knew it was best to come straight off."