Martin Kelly and Scott Dann have big shoes to fill for Crystal Palace this weekend according to Roy Hodgson.

The Palace boss confirmed that Tomkins’ injury sustained at Newcastle has ruled the centre half out for the remainder of the season meaning Dann has a chance to impress as Manchester City visit Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Mamadou Sakho, Hodgson’s preferred partner to Tomkins was ruled out for the foreseeable future a month ago having picked up ligament injury in the 4-1 win at Leicester last month.

“They’re centre backs with few appearances this season.” Hodgson said of Kelly and Dann.

“It’s a big ask of them, to step in to big shoes, and they’ll have a big defensive ask on Sunday.

“But they’ll be ready and will be really up for the challenge.”

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Eleven points clear of the bottom three, Hodgson admitted that he felt his side were safe from the drop despite mathematically still in danger, but also insisted his side still have the desire and that there’s no complacency in how they go about tackling the final five games of the season, starting with the current Champions.

“No team is unbeatable, no team poses a threat you couldn’t possibly deal with.

“But everyone understands the season they’re having and the attacking talent they have, which there are many.

“It’ll be a tough task, a big ask, but well be ready for it.

“We kept a clean sheet a year ago here, why not do it again.

Palace are one of only four teams to beat Manchester City this season and the only side to do so at the Etihad, but despite boasting a 3-2 victory over Pep Guardiola’s men, Hodgson is full of admiration for what the Club is achieving.

“It’s a proud moment when you realise you’re near the level they are.

“Not at the same level, but in the same ball park.

“We just hope we haven’t angered them too much by having the temerity to beat them on their patch.

“We are capable of beating every team in the league, we can do it, and have done it, going forward we should do everything to make sure that continues.”