JOHN Gorman expects sparks to fly when Town clash with Palace tomorrow.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

JOHN Gorman expects sparks to fly when Town clash with Palace tomorrow.

Not so much on the pitch but on the touchline as the Blues number two and Eagles boss Neil Warnock resume their long-standing feud.

The Blues assistant manager, normally a placid, easy going sort of man, admits Warnock brings out the fiery Scot in him and the pair have clashed many times in the past.

Gorman said: “I don't know what it is about Neil but he and I always seem to end up having a go. I always manage to say the wrong thing to him. We have clashed many times when he was

“I always get on well with him off the pitch but for some reason when we in the dug outs things happen. We always try to keep it calm but something always happens during the game to spark it off.

“He can wind up the opposition coaches. He does say things and you have to bite your tongue but having that Scottish fire in me I don't do that.”

As volatile as their relationship has been Gorman admits to respecting the former Notts County and Sheffield United boss who has many a promotion, including one to the top-flight, under his belt

Gorman said: “Hopefully it will all be tongue in cheek and we will shake hands at the end.

“Neil is a total professional and he has shown what a great manager he is and I would never disrespect him even if we have not always seen eye to eye.”

After dropping two points at home against Sheffield Wednesday last week, the third championship game without a win at Portman Road, Gorman feels being away will suit the Blues, especially with an FA cup fillip to follow.

He said: “Being away can be better sometimes because teams can express themselves away. Palace will come at us and that will allow us to get behind them.

“There is no greater incentive for the players than to go to Stamford Bridge the following Saturday.

“They can go there and enjoy it but the most important game is Palace and getting three points there. Getting three points is probably preferable.”

Defeat at Selhurst Park could leave Town 11 points off the play-off places, but a win would put them within a point off Palace, who are currently in eighth spot.

But while appreciating it will be a hard game, Gorman feels Town are capable of victory.

He said: “The season can change very quickly. Anyone can beat anyone.

“Palace went on a good run last year when he took over and someone else has to do that. Someone has to take things by the scruff of the neck and get on a run.

“The training has been good and positive. The lads have been working on finishing. It wasn't as good as it could have been but we are working on that.

“It will be a hard game. They are a decent side but on the day they can be beaten.”

Moritz Volz is rated 50/50, while Iv�n Campo and David Wright are both ruled out, which could pave the way for a return for Dutch defender Pim Balkestein.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk