Alan Pardew says Crystal Palace will be without Scott Dann for West Ham visit

By Allan Valente

Image: Scott Dann will be missing for Crystal Palace when they face West Ham

Alan Pardew says Crystal Palace will be without captain Scott Dann for the visit of West Ham to Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Palace will go into the game looking for their fourth win in five matches, with the side recovering from a slow start to the Premier League season to go into the international break on a run of good results.

Pardew confirmed Dann will not make the squad for the London derby, with former West Ham centre-back James Tomkins set to start in his place.

Image: Alan Pardew has backed James Tomkins as he prepares to face former club West Ham

"Scott Dann won't make this game. He's training, so should be available for the next one, we think. Other than that we're okay," Pardew said.

"I don't think he's [Tomkins] got anything to prove to West Ham fans, he's born and bred there. He's playing for us but he'd probably rather be going to watch them over us. I tried to sign him at Newcastle a number of times.

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"There's no update on Pape [Souare]. He's on a long recovery time, he's in that process really. I still think the November, December period [for Loic Remy's return], the back-end of November should see him and he is progressing well."

Pardew backed ex-Palace defender Gareth Southgate for the England role on a permanent basis and wants to see more of his players in the national squad after the recent inclusion of Andros Townsend.

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Image: Pardew backed Gareth Southgate for the England job

He also said time can be against club managers after the international break as they look to get players back and into a routine after being away with their national sides, but he hopes Palace can continue their fine form.

"I think it's important for this team. We're trying to become an established Premier League club and we need that international accreditation," he said. "Andros was a good selection for us, and for Wilfried [Zaha], [Scott] Dann, [Jason] Puncheon, [Joel] Ward.

Image: Crystal Palace are looking for their fourth win in five games

"Gareth, in my opinion, is a great choice for England. Now it's about results, we live and die by results. He's done well so far. If Gareth does get the job permanently he's going to know Palace and the traditions we have very well.

"It's becoming a bit of a norm in the Premier League, particularly the start of the season, to have these breaks and they can work for you and they can work against you and you never really know until your team turn up.

Image: Pardew wants to see more Palace players in the England squad

"It's a two-week break and they all go away and you've got literally 48 hours with them to try and get them back in the same zone. I think that's very difficult but that is how it works. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off."

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