Dikgacoi ready to return Kagisho Dikgacoi should be fit for Crystal Palace when they host Burnley. The South Africa midfielder was rested for Tuesday night's 2-1 win at Wolves with a slight muscle strain but he expects to be available. Jonny Williams replaced Dikgacoi at Molineux but the Welshman, who broke his leg last season, has yet to start back-to-back matches this term and is likely to make way. Peter Ramage returned as a substitute in midweek following a thigh injury and should be involved again but fellow defender Paddy McCarthy remains a long-term absentee with a groin problem. Danny Gabbidon is still waiting to make his debut after signing from QPR last month but the Wales centre-half needs to build up his fitness first. Burnley boss Eddie Howe has worries in defence. Skipper Jason Shackell was absent from the 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Turf Moor in midweek and is doubtful once more due to a knee injury. The Clarets will make a late decision on Shackell, while fellow centre-back Michael Duff is set to be sidelined with a knee problem of his own. Howe, who distanced himself from reports suggesting he was poised for a return to former club Bournemouth this week, expressed concerns about his side's defensive frailties after they surrendered the lead three times against Wednesday. There are no such problems at the other end of the field as striker Charlie Austin continued his hot streak on Tuesday night with a second hat-trick of the season, taking his overall tally to 14 goals in 11 appearances.
Source: PA
