TEAM NEWS: Jon Macken, Danny Butterfield and Mikele Leigertwood are all expected to return to the first-team frame for the trip to the Withdean, though Aki Riihilahti and Andy Johnson perhaps still have some work to do to make the trip. Despite playing 90 minutes for the reserves against Norwich Danny Granville still lacks match sharpness and so will not be considered. The same could be true for Tony Popovic, who will be forced to endure an arduous journey home following tonight's (Wednesday) World Cup qualifier between Australia and Uruguay, and may have further time to recuperate.

POPPA STILL IN THE HUNT: Palace captain Tony Popovic played the full 90 minutes in Australia's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Uruguay in Montivideo on Sunday.

Despite only playing sporadically for the Eagles so far this season, Poppa was chosen by national coach Guus Hiddink to partner Tony Vidmar at the heart of the Socceroos' defence. Dario Rodriguez scored the only goal of a keenly contested encounter, with Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka spurning the best chances for the visitors.

Hiddink is likely to name an unchanged side for tonight's (Wednesday) return leg at the Telstra Stadium in Melbourne, with Everton's Tim Cahill again only amongst the substitutes.

SAM SIGNS: Palace's versatile midfielder Sam Togwell has joined League One side Port Vale on loan until January 2. The 21-year-old has played on loan at Oxford United and Northampton Town in recent seasons and has starred this term for the reserves, whom he captains. Togwell has played three games for the first team this season, all in the Carling Cup competition.