Tuesday 30 September 2014 17:55, UK
Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has admitted he is worried how his side will fare without talismanic captain Mile Jedinak in January.
The 30-year-old Eagles skipper will represent Australia as they host the Asia Cup, which begins on the 9th January.
And with the hosts predicted to excel in the tournament, Warnock could be without Jedinak for over three weeks, much to the former Leeds United manager's dismay.
“We will miss him,” Warnock told the London Evening Standard.
“He is the leader of the camp. Everything on and off the field revolves around him.
"There is the Africa Cup of Nations at about the same time, too, so it will be difficult for a lot of teams in the Premier League in January and February.
"Mile has been able to push forward more than usual this season, too, and I think he can score more goals.”
After a slow start under Warnock, Palace have propelled themselves up the table, and now sit ninth after back-to-back wins over Everton and Leicester.
"The players work hard for each other and, when you look at how we play for each other, we’ve got a good chance of surviving," Warnock added.
