Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni hopes his impressive display against Wolves on Saturday will help him cement a regular first-team spot at Selhurst Park.

The 26-year-old Argentinian has started the Eagles last two league games in place of out-of -form Gabor Kiraly, after impressing Palace boss Iain Dowie with a series of fine performances in the club's recent Carling Cup run.

It is the longest succession of league games Speroni has featured in since the start of last season and the former Dundee keeper is confident he can now seize his chance.

Speroni said: "I was trying to get a run in the side the whole time I was on the bench. I try to train hard every day as hard as I can and get back into the team. I hope to keep doing the same."

During his long period out of the first team Speroni has previously admitted he had on more than one occasion considered his future at Selhurst Park.

Last season he was linked with a return to Scotland where he enjoyed a successful three-year spell with Dundee before Dowie snapped him up in the summer of 2004 for £500,000.

But the Palace keeper decided to stay put and develop further under the experienced hands of Eagles goalkeeping coach Mike Kelly.

"Of course, every player wants to play in the first 11. That was what I was looking for and now I'm playing and I will try to enjoy it. Hopefully I will keep my place in the team.

"It was a big change coming here from Scotland to the Premiership. I've learned a lot while I've been here and Mike Kelly has played a very important part in my career."

Speroni pulled off a string of fine saves in the 1-1 draw on Saturday, including an extraordinary stop to deny Wolves striker Kenny Miller.

The Scottish frontman let fly from 25 yards out and the swerve on the ball caused Speroni to change direction and tip over the bar. Speroni was typically modest in his description of the save.

Speroni said: "It took a deflection and I couldn't see the ball very well so I tried to react when I did see the ball."