Aruna Dindane has received international clearance and could make his Crystal Palace debut against Barnsley tomorrow.
Dindane joined on a short-term deal last month but has been unable to play because of red tape.
The Ivory Coast striker is now available but there are concerns over his fitness ahead of the game at Selhurst Park. Dindane, 32, has been a free agent since leaving Al Sailiya Sport Club in December.
Manager Ian Holloway will make a decision over Dindane’s inclusion tomorrow but the player’s availability is a boost for Palace after three straight defeats which have dented their automatic promotion bid.
Palace are fourth in the Championship, six points behind second-placed Hull with six games remaining.
Holloway said: “We have to believe we can do it [gain automatic promotion] but we have got to be doing better than we are doing. It is time for action now.
“You have got to learn to play your best football at the hardest times. That is what I am encouraging them to do. It is about momentum at this time of the season and we have got to regain ours.
“The response will be there against Barnsley. We need to show character. We are still in the hat but we need to get on with it.”
Holloway has denied speculation linking him with a summer move for Charlie Adam if Palace are promoted. The Stoke midfielder, 27, played under Holloway at Blackpool and is out of favour under Tony Pulis after struggling to impress following his £4million summer move from Liverpool.
“I haven’t given it a thought to be honest,” said Holloway. “Firstly, he is a Stoke player. Secondly, he is way out of our price range, wages wise. Thirdly, I am focusing on this year.”
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