SASA Curcic helped lift the gloom over Selhurst Park on Saturday but still seems set to continue on the bench.

Despite his point-clinching penalty and inspirational performance, the Yugoslav international is still not one of manager Terry Venables' first choices. "He's a talented player but he knows why he's not playing and that's between him and me," said the Eagles boss.

The ex-Aston Villa man has started just four games this season but his talent, albeit sporadic, is obvious. If Palace have serious promotion aspirations his class will be badly needed.

Venables will be heartened by his team's recovery from a two-goal deficit this weekend and there was good news from the treatment room as well.

Star player Matt Jansen and Swedish hitman Matt Svensson could soon be making their comebacks. "Jansen started training this week and Svensson has made a remarkable comeback," said Venables. It is hoped that they will be in action at Palace's next home game against Tranmere.

In the meantime the Eagles travel to Huddersfield on Saturday. The Terriers are currently ninth in Nationawide Division One, four places above Venables' men. With the promotion chase just beginning to warm up, this is a crucial game for both sides.

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