Dougie Freedman is set to be included in the Eagles' squad for Sunday's clash against Derby County.

The Palace striker has been out for over a month with an ankle injury, but is likely to return to the bench alongside fellow striker James Scowcroft.

Paul Ifill will also be in contention after he came through a reserve clash against Millwall on Tuesday unscathed, but the fixture looks to have come too early for injured duo Michael Hughes and Stuart Green.

Meanwhile, Peter Taylor has rubbished reports linking the Eagles with a move for Leyton Orient striker Gary Alexander.

The O's hitman is available for a free transfer at the end of the season but Taylor, who sold Alexander to the League One side when he was in charge of Hull, said there was nothing in the reports.