Striker Ashton preferred relegation rivals Norwich when he left Crewe and versatile defender Clement eventually decided he was better off signing a new contract for the Baggies.
Both were long-term targets and their decisions were major disappointments for manager Iain Dowie, though at least he talked Jordan out of selling Wayne Routledge to Tottenham before his contract expires in the summer.
Kiraly, who joined last August and claims to have attracted interest from Arsenal, believes people underestimate Palace. He said: "We are a good Premiership team and we will show that. I will be happier when we are mid-table, but we can stay up and do well next season. Now we must do our talking on the pitch. The West Brom game is really important for both teams, but I am looking forward to it."
The goalkeeper, who speaks regularly with Gera and Palace's other Hungarian, Sandor Torghelle, has been in impressive form this season. "If we are having problems we talk to each other," he said.
"But the Premier League has not been difficult for me. I played for seven years in the Bundesliga, played in the Champions League and have 54 caps for my country so I am happy here." Dowie, who has warned his players to expect a physical encounter tonight, is expected to have Joonas Kolkka (ribs) back but is unlikely to risk Aki Riihilahti (calf).
West Brom may give a first start to winger Kieran Richardson, yesterday's loan signing from Manchester United. Dowie said: "Bryan Robson has got them going and they are starting to get great belief now. They are becoming more difficult to beat, so that will be pleasing from their point of view. It's a massive match for both clubs.
"I have watched West Brom and seen a couple of their past games on video. Everyone there is working their socks off for each other and they have a very good work ethic. They play a 4-4-2 and everyone knows their job."
