Derby County may have lost the services of striker Steve Howard but Palace choose young keeper to face the Rams

Scott Flinders given chance in Palace goal

Derby County may have been one short in the attacking department this weekend but some strange decisions by Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor leaves the Eagles having to play a 20 year old rookie in goal.

Steve Howard misses the game after reaching five bookings this season, which is an automatic one match ban. The Rams however have cover in Arturo Lupoli, Paul Pechisolido and in form John Stead and with midfielder Giles Barnes scoring for fun now days we are sure the Palace keeper is in for a busy afternoon.

Paul Peschisolido hoping for a striking role this Saturday

30 year-old Gabor Kiraly was expected to make his comeback in goal after injury but has been sensationally loaned out to Premiership club Aston Villa. With his other keeper Iain Taylor ruled out with a groin injury Peter Taylor pins all his hopes on 20 year old Scott Flinder.

The young keeper has only had a hand full of League appearances, mainly coming when he was at his original club Barnsley (14 games) and with a recently returned spell at Division one side Gillingham.

To be fair to the young keeper he has attracted the attention of Chelsea whilst still at Barnsley and that was less than six months ago.