Dowie insists Eagles won't freeze

Iain Dowie is backing his Crystal Palace team to finish in the top half of the Premiership within two seasons.

He takes them to Norwich tomorrow for the club's first game in the top flight for six years after winning promotion via the play-offs.

The manager admits that Palace have a mountain to climb and knows that bookmakers have made them favourites for relegation.

But he believes the team's fighting qualities give them a chance of survival and insists they will not be overawed.

Dowie said: "We know we have a huge task but we are going to have a go. We are not going to be like rabbits in headlights.

"Let's not get all this way and quiver in the bright lights, let's go and enjoy it. If we get beaten, so what. Let's do it having a go.

"Our ambition is to be in the top half of the league in one or two seasons. Why should we not look at that?

"We should not limit our ambitions. We looked at playing against Manchester United and Arsenal when I took over and people laughed, but here we are."

Dowie took charge at Palace last December and transformed them from relegation candidates to promotion winners.

Since beating West Ham at Cardiff in May he has brought in seven players. Two were signed yesterday when goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly joined from Hertha Berlin and defender Fitz Hall from Southampton. Another may be signed in time to face Norwich and a few more could follow later this month.

Dowie has been stung by the negative assessments of columnists and is determined to prove them wrong.

"We will not be found wanting in terms of effort, desire or preparation," he said.

"It should be fabulous for our players because it is the ultimate Everest of a learning curve."

Hungary striker Sandor Torghelle is set for his competitive debut alongside goalkeeper Julian Speroni and winger Joonas Kolkka, but Neil Shipperley (knee) and Danny Butterfield (hamstring) have been ruled out.

Norwich will be without Youssef Safri (hernia) and Zema Abbey (groin).

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