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Case for the defence

30/12/2002

SOCCER: Carlton Palmer's response to two heavy defeats over Christmas will be to pick himself for the visit of Port Vale to Edgeley Park.

The former England man looked to have played his last game for the Hatters but, after they leaked eight goals in games against Mansfield and Bristol City, he will return to the defence.

The Hatters have slumped to 14th place in the Second Division with one clean sheet in their last 22 league games and are six points off bottom spot.

"I'm going to play on Wednesday," he said.

"I'm going to go back in there and help Robert Clare and one or two others who are suffering a little bit with their confidence.

"We need to keep a clean sheet and try to build on that. There is no doubt we can complete the double over Port Vale."

Palmer was quick to praise 18-year-old loan keeper Brad Jones, who conceded four goals on his league debut against Bristol City.

"He has made a bit of a mistake for the first goal," added Palmer.

"But I think we should have done better defensively.

"He's shown great character and made two or three good blocks."
With boos greeting the final whistle at Bristol City, Palmer's thoughts have already turned to next season.

"I said at the start of the season if we finish halfway up the table we will have done well and I've got to get it right for the start of next season," he added.