It's the footballing equivalent of The Apprentice, albeit with Peter Taylor in the hot seat instead of Alan Sugar. The prize? To be the Eagles' number one next season.

With Gabor Kiraly soon to be out of contract and yet to commit his immediate future to anyone, let alone Palace, Taylor handed Julian Speroni the first of his two-game trial against Barnsley to prove his worth as the potential successor to the Hungarian stopper.

The Argentian hopes he can finally grab his chance to become the Eagles' number one after a long wait in the sidelines. "When you have a goal-keeper like Gabor Kiraly you know that he is the number one," said Speroni.

"He's experienced, he's an international and he has 70 caps for his country. He's a top keeper.

"I always knew that I had to wait for my chance. I had a chance this season but then after the injury I had to stop and start again.

"I do not know what's happening with Gabor but, obviously, if he goes it's a good chance for me to be here and playing more often, as the number one. But it's a bit early to say."

The game at Oakwell was only Speroni's third start of the season, yet the Argentinian relished every moment and was even denied a penalty save for moving off his line too early.

"I enjoyed the game," he said. "It was good to be back in the team. I'm a bit disappointed about the result as I think we should have at least got something out the game.

"As for the penalty, I just don't know. I just do what all keepers do.

"I moved along the line and when the ball started to move then I went. I don't know what the linesman saw.

"I would like to see the replay on TV."