Paul Hart has described Lee Hills' ruptured anterior cruciate ligament as a massive blow to Crystal Palace.

The young left back was injured in a clash with Robbie Savage during the game with Derby County on Saturday and will now miss the next eight months.

"He came into the training ground on Monday and we were hopeful he was going to be getting stronger and carry on his good run in the side," said Hart.

"It's very disappointing for him as he has been playing well and it's a massive blow to us."

Hart is hopeful though that Calvin Andrew and Alan Lee could return from the sidelines for Monday's match with West Brom.

"Alan has done some straight running in training and Calvin still feels woozy at times but hopefully that will clear in the next few days," he said.

Against Derby County on Saturday, Hart opted to start Stern John on the bench, leaving Sean Scannell to play up front on his own.

John came on in the second half and scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw but Hart defended his decision to go with Scannell.

"We have two centre-forwards injured and Stern is not getting any younger," he said.

"We are walking on egg shells with our forwards at the minute.

"Stern was an option to start but I chose not to use it, the better option was for him to come one.

"I have no regrets at not starting him, it was the right decision on the day to start with what we had got."