Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has revealed that Eagles frontman James Scowcroft came close to a lengthy spell on the sidelines thanks to an achilles injury suffered this week, writes Simon Fitzjohn.

The 32-year-old striker, with seven goals to his credit this season, played through the pain barrier in Monday's defeat at Leicester.

And Warnock admitted his relief that the problem was flagged up so early.

Warnock said: "Jamie is carrying an achilles problem and we have had it scanned this week.

"We know we will have to use him sparingly in training from now on.

"He has to strengthen the muscles in that area so he'll be with the physios two or three days a week.

"We caught it at the right time as there is no tear - we just have to rectify the inflammation.