Steffen Iversen is pushing to be involved again for Crystal Palace as they host Wigan Athletic in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
Norwegian forward hoping to get nod for Wigan clash
Steffen Iversen is pushing to be involved again for Crystal Palace as they host Wigan Athletic in the second round of the Carling Cup at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.
Iversen, along with midfielder Alex Marrow, has recovered from long-term injury and both could be involved if Eagles manager Dougie Freedman opts to shuffle his pack.
The South Londoners were unfortunate to come away from Saturday's trip to Leeds empty-handed and Freedman could rest a few first-teamers ahead of the weekend's clash with Midddlesbrough.
However, he is still expected to choose a strong line-up and Iversen will be battling the likes of Glenn Murray and Calvin Andrew for a starting spot up front with both having come off the bench at Elland Road.
Nathaniel Clyne, Lee Hills and Kagisho Dikgacoi all remain sidelined for the foreseeable future, but Stuart O'Keefe, Darren Ambrose and Marrow will be hoping to be given a chance to impress in midfield.
Wigan will be without former Palace defender Emmerson Boyce for the trip to Selhurst Park after the experienced stopper limped out of Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City with an injury.
Also on the sidelines are fellow defenders Antolin Alcaraz and Steven Gohouri, so recent loan signing from Chelsea, Patrick Van Aanholt, may get a first start for the club.
Deadline day signing Shaun Maloney will also be pushing for a chance to impress, while Albert Crusat could be handed a full debut having come off the bench for the final 20 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.
