July 3 2002

Gregg Berhalter

Trevor Francis is adamant Gregg Berhalter is still not good enough for the Eagles first team despite impressing in the World Cup for the USA.

Berhalter has hardly put a foot wrong since Alan Smith signed him in February 2001 and Francis refused to play him throughout Palace's defensive injury problems last season.

Francis said: "I know what Gregg can do and I didn’t need to see anything at the World Cup that would strengthen my beliefs in the player.

"I've seen him on the training ground enough times, but my view on him hasn't changed because of two games he's played for his country."

Last week Berhalter spoke of his frustration at not being given a chance to prove himself to Francis and he does not want to leave.

He said: "I wish I could have played more games to prove myself at Palace and it's frustrating not playing regularly, but it's the manager's decision and I have got to respect that.

"I could do everything in my power to win a place in the side, but if he does like the way I play, I won't get picked.

"But unless something happens, I am coming back to Palace and hope my form will change the manager's mind, because I love London, I love England and I like the club a lot."