McCarthy in injury blow

The centre-half first sustained the injury against Nottingham Forest (pictured) back in October but he made a successful return three weeks later away at Blackpool and enjoyed a lengthy run in the first team.

However, the injury flared up once again at home to Doncaster in December and he was later advised that an operation was needed.

McCarthy made a surprising return a week later in a shoulder brace but the injury struck again during the Boxing Day game against Norwich City - and this time he opted for the operation which will keep him out until April.

"We now know that Paddy McCarthy will be out for three months having had a successful operation last week," said Palace boss Neil Warnock.

"It is a shame that he will be out for that length of time but we wish him a speedy recovery."