John Oster is the man Crystal Palace fans are talking about as the Eagles attempt to record their fourth victory in five games tonight, writes Jon West.

The Wales international has been offered an 18-month contract extension ahead of the visit of Southampton, Palace's second game in a little over 48 hours.

The 29-year-old has rarely held down a regular place at a host of former clubs and was barely used by previous employers Reading.

But Palace boss Neil Warnock has converted him from a winger to a central midfielder and Oster now been handed a new deal.

"I've just not given John a contract until the end of the season, I've given him one for another year because he deserves it," said Warnock. "He's blossoming."

Paddy McCarthy and Shefki Kuqi were on target in Saturday's 2-1 win at Derby although the former is a doubt because of a broken nose. Danny Butterfield could replace teenager Nathaniel Clyne at right-back and striker Alan Lee is also back after his late substitute appearance.

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