Thomson to visit knee specialist

He hobbled off last week in the 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough and looks set to join Ade Akinbiyi and Kit Symons on the long-term injury list.

Thomson's injury is another blow to Eagles boss Trevor Francis, who sees his side languishing in the bottom half of Division One after just two wins in their first eleven matches.

Meanwhile, striker Dougie Freedman has urged his manager not to over play teenage starlet Wayne Routledge.

The 17-year-old midfielder has been one of the few bright spots in Palace's side this season, having scored the second goal in his club's 2-2 draw against Gillingham on Sunday at Selhurst Park.

Routledge has started the last five matches for Palace and Freedman feels the youngster needs a break in order to avoid burning out during the season.

Freedman told the Evening Standard: "Wayne's a very exciting player and I just hope the manager doesn't try to play him every week.

"He's only 17 and it's a lot of pressure to handle at that age.

"I hope the manager will take him out of the team, rest him and bring him on gradually."