Crystal Palace moved joint top in the Nationwide Division One table with a convincing 4-1 victory over Stockport County at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Clinton Morrison grabbed two of the goals, obviously still on a high after from scoring on his debut for the Republic of Ireland in their 2-2 draw with Croatia a three days earlier.

He said: "I've never had a better week in my career. I was still buzzing after scoring for Ireland.

"I'm definitely 100 per cent Irish now. I got on really well with Robbie Keane, Ian Harte and Gary Kelly they are all top men over there and it was a very good craic."

After a dour first-half, the second burst into life with five goals. Aki Riihilahti drove the ball home seven minutes after the break to put Palace ahead.

Stockport levelled ten minutes later when Karim Fradin scored with a rocket-like header from 10 yards.

But five minutes later Palace restored their lead when Morrison converted a Dougie Freedman pass.

Not long after Stockport's Aaron Wilbraham got his marching orders after appearing to elbow Eagles' midfielder Rihilahti, and Palace put the game out of reach for County through Freedman and again Morrison, for the fourth, to complete the rout.

Palace boss Steve Bruce said: "Clinton can go on to do what he wants to in the games, he is that good. He just has to keep his feet on the floor and continue to want to work hard and his game will continue to improve.

"At the time of the sending-off, we were playing the better football and I didn't think Stockport going down to 10 men would've made any difference.

"It was a poor first-half as there was a nervousness and edginess about my team. I know we can improve and I want to give everybody a chance before bringing in new players. "

Bruce hopes to clinch the signing of Australian defender Tony Popovic this week.

He added: "We are negotiating a compensation package with his Japanese club Hiroshima.

"We have discussed personal terms and we hope to be able to sign him this week."

The Eagles played Leyton Orient last night as we went to press in the Worthington Cup and travel to Nottingham Forest in the League on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

August 23, 2001 9:54

Gordon Law