Crystal Palace go into a run of three tough away games boosted by the return of last year's player of the year Dougie Freedman.

Trevor Francis unexpectedly recalled captain Curtis Fleming for the draw against Liverpool on Sunday, and now with tough trips to Leicester, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in the next ten days, he is able to call on returning trio Freedman, Steven Thomson and Darren Powell.

After coming through 90 minutes in the 3-0 reserves win against Barnet, Freedman has fully recovered from his hernia operation and will play for the reserves against Peterborough on Wednesday. Francis said: "We will assess him Thursday and Friday and I am hoping that he will be able to return to the squad on Saturday."

Steve Kember's reserve side will probably feature an all-star line-up with Freedman, Fleming, Wayne Routledge and Ade Akinbiyi all improving their fitness. French keeper Cedric Berthelin will sharpen his skills in goal, while midfielder Steven Thomson makes a welcome return after two months out with a knee injury.

Centre-back Powell will return to full training today (Wednesday) after a hernia operation, having missed only four games. Francis said: "He has only been out a month, so his general fitness will still be quite good. There is a reserve game on Monday and he may be in the squad for Liverpool."

Entering a key month, Trevor Francis will have most resources at his disposal, with just Matt Clarke, Jamie Smith and Craig Harrison long-term casualties.

January 29, 2003 12:00