After ending a dismal run of five league draws with three consecutive wins, Trevor Francis is refusing to get carried away about Palace's promotion chances, but sees plenty of cause for optimism.

With a third of the season gone, victories against Brighton, Walsall and Ipswich have seen Palace climb from eighteenth to twelfth in the First Division table, just four points off the play-off places.

Francis told the Croydon Guardian: "When we have completed two thirds of the season we can start looking at where we can finish. But I remain as I have been for the last three months, very optimistic about the future for three reasons: We have got many players coming back to fitness, the continued improvement of our young players and the way the team is blending."

Andrew Johnson, 21, has now scored eight goals in his last four games, and is one youngster just starting to blossom.

Francis said: "We have got young players who are making headlines.

Routledge has been and now we have Johnson who is 21 and Danny Butterfield 22. This is an emerging team and it's not by any means complete in terms of what I set out to do with the squad, but it is getting stronger, and the young players are coming through.

"I have had great faith in Andrew Johnson and he's very popular here among the players and supporters because they identify with his tremendous work ethic.

"Danny Butterfield made less impact when he came but he has played consistently well in a variety of positions and has improved as a player. By scoring the winner on Sunday, he became the eleventh Palace player to score this season."

Francis' other cut-price signings have also started to show some form with Darren Powell looking solid at the back, Shaun Derry adding bite to midfield and Dele Adebola now proving a welcome squad addition.

Francis said: "We are playing attractive football and in the games we have played so far there has not been a better team than us."

Injuries have plagued Palace all season with Matt Clarke, Curtis Fleming, Jamie Smith and Ade Akinbiyi still long term absentees but the crisis is now easing.

Kit Symons made his first appearance since January on Sunday, and Steven Thomson came through a friendly against Woking on Monday.

Francis said: "Kit is back ahead of schedule and that could be important because he's experienced and a talker."

Curtis Fleming suffered a setback with his knee injury last week, and is out for two weeks, but Aki Riihilahti will be fit for Wednesday's Worthington Cup visit by Coventry after a stomach upset.

Francis said of Wednesday's game: "We want to continue this winning streak but what I don't want is injuries because we are starting to get the majority of players back and it will give me more options."

Routledge started light training on Tuesday after ten days' intensive treatment on an ankle injury, and may be fit to play some part against Forest on Saturday. Not since

January last year have Palace or Francis enjoyed four back-to-back league wins.

November 6, 2002 13:30