Shipperley looks forward

14 April 2012

Neil Shipperley believes Crystal Palace could not have chosen a better time to be playing Tottenham.

The 29-year-old striker scored the winner on Palace's last visit to White Hart Lane - a 1-0 victory in November 1997 - and believes his team are capable of another upset tomorrow.

He said: "I remember the previous game because it came in the season that we were relegated from the Premiership. We didn't win at home until April but produced some great away performances and that was one of them.
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From our point of view, it is the perfect time to be playing them. They are looking to turn the corner while we are riding high.

"Our league position may not show it, but we have put in some excellent performances of late and we are full of confidence, so it has the makings of a good game." Tottenham slipped into the Premiership relegation zone this week, whereas Palace have shown a marked improvement in Division One since the departure of Steve Kember last November.

New boss Iain Dowie is instilling a new sense of belief at the club after coming in to replace caretaker manager Kit Symons.

Shipperley, who rejoined Palace last summer after spells at Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Wimbledon, said: "A lot of credit must go to Kit. He came in and did very well. The 3-0 win against Reading, which was his final game in charge, was a great performance.

"Looking back, I felt it was a bit harsh that he did not get the job. But he got a taste for what it's all about and I am sure he will go on to other things in the future.

"We have only been with the new manager for just over a week but he has already shown he knows how to get his point of view across to the players."

The main reason for Palace's upsurge in form is former Birmingham forward Andy Johnson, who has scored 15 goals already this season, including five in his last four games.

Strike partner Shipperley said: "Before I came to the club, I did not know much about him, but he is definitely someone with a big future.

"He has great pace and is an excellent finisher. Without him

"He will cause any team problems and his confidence is sky high at the moment. I imagine Tottenham have watched him and they will certainly be concerned."

Johnson's success has been in marked contrast to Shipperley, who last scored on 4 October. He hopes to end the barren run tomorrow.

He said: "As a striker you want to score goals. I am 29, I have been through these patches before. I know I am going to score again, it's just a matter of time.

"I would like to think it's not affecting my performances otherwise I would not be in the team."

Apart from Darren Powell (thigh), Dowie has a fit squad. Goalkeeper Thomas Myhre is set to start after extending his loan spell from Sunderland until 17 January. The 30-yearold has been first choice at Selhurst Park since arriving in October.

Shipperley looks forward

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