The month is up for Michopoulos

Last updated : 28 October 2002 By Tony Scholes

He made three appearances in his first week at Palace but since then has played just once for a variety of reasons. Palace had no game a couple of weeks ago because of the internationals but more significantly Nik lost his place on Saturday and had to settle for a place on the bench following the return to fitness of Alex Kolinko.

Regular first choice keeper Matt Clarke is out for the season, his last appearance was on the Turf in the game when Nik last played for the Clarets, and Kolinko is their only other fit goalkeeper. They may be keen to keep Nik as cover.

Stan though is in a dilemma. He obviously would prefer to have both keepers back here rather than taking a risk with one but is also aware of the financial implications and the fact that Palace are providing us with money for Nik. There is also the need for him to be playing and Stan would probably not be too keen to see him just sitting on the bench for the next month.

With Stan looking to try and sort out longer deals for both Marlon and Fred West it would be no surprise if Nik was to stay away for another month.