Hughes: We have to learn to survive fast

Michael Hughes says Crystal Palace have to learn quickly if they are to survive in the Premiership.

Iain Dowie's side have just one point from their first three games and midfielder Hughes said: "We are learning as a team and from that point of view it was a good experience last night.

"We have to learn quickly because there are only so many games. You have to get into the swing of things because it is different to the First Division. We were not disappointed by our performance against Chelsea. We are going the right way and we are all quite confident we will stay up.

"They are very strong and quick at the back and Claude Makelele breaks things up so I cannot see them conceding many goals. They are excellent defensively. Those are the standards we have to aim at."

Jose Mourinho meanwhile is ready to give Damien Duff a chance to prove himself under the new regime at Chelsea.

The Portuguese manager has questioned whether the winger is mentally over the shoulder injuries he suffered last season and has not played him in the Premiership yet.

Duff had an operation on the problem before the summer break but says he is fully fit and played for the Republic of Ireland last week.

Assistant manager Steve Clarke said: "He is close now and could be involved against Southampton on Saturday."