TEDDY Sheringham returns to the fold, after a month's absence, as Colchester United entertain struggling Crystal Palace at Layer Road this afternoon.Ex-England star Sheringham was the villain of the piece, when he was sent off for violent conduct during the closing minutes of the 1-0 defeat at Coventry on October 27.

By Carl Marston

TEDDY Sheringham returns to the fold, after a month's absence, as Colchester United entertain struggling Crystal Palace at Layer Road this afternoon.

Ex-England star Sheringham was the villain of the piece, when he was sent off for violent conduct during the closing minutes of the 1-0 defeat at Coventry on October 27. He has not played since, due to a three-match suspension and then the two-week break for internationals.

“Teddy is champing at the bit to start playing again,” confirmed manager Geraint Williams. The 41-year-old, though, might have to make do with a place on the bench.

The Championship table is so tight that the U's could be safely installed in mid-table, or floundering in the relegation zone, after today's home clash with Neil Warnock's men.

Palace are just one place off the bottom, but they will leapfrog the U's if they can claim victory by more than a two-goal margin this afternoon.

However, Geraint Williams' men are unbeaten in four home matches, and will be buoyed by holding league leaders Watford to a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road in their last outing a fortnight ago.

Alternatively, the smart money could be on a draw, not least because both sides have drawn their last three matches.