YOUNG GUNS: Palace midfielders Ben Watson and Tom Soares and defender Gary Borrowdale have been named in Peter Taylor's 33-man squad for the forthcoming match with the cream of Italy's young talent. The match is due to take place at Hull's Kingston Communications Stadium on February 21, with kick-off at 7.45pm. The squad will be reduced to 16 in the lead up to the game. As part of of the Football League's youth development programme, the match will see the best young talent from the Coca-Cola League in action against their counterparts from Italy's Serie B. In announcing the squad, Taylor said: "It'll be a great opportunity for the players involved to come and play at a terrific stadium against European opposition, so it should be a good night. I don't get to see every player so I've looked at the situation and spoken to certain managers. The squad I've selected is a big one but it needs to be as the game is a while away and you have to allow for things like injuries. But I'm sure the 16 players who make up the squad on the night will form a strong, competitive side."

WOMEN ON TOP: Palace Ladies climbed up the table on Sunday with a creditable 3-1 win over Millwall Lionesses. It was a much-needed victory for Palace and their first ever win against their London rivals, who currently lie in fourth position in the table. Nancy Osuji took all the plaudits with a well-taken hat-trick but it was a solid all-round team performance based on a sound defensive display. The Ladies' next home match (at Whyteleafe FC's ground) is against AFC Wimbeldon on February 12, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.

LOAN ANNOUNCEMENT: Striker Tommy Black, 26, has joined Gillingham on loan until February 25.