Europe an achievable aim for Dann and Palace

A strong start to the season has seen Crystal Palace battling it out in the right half of the table, and captain Scott Dann is determined to get some tangible memories from the campaign.

The Eagles are currently occupying a spot in the top eight of the Premier League, despite a third defeat of the season at the hands of West Ham, on Saturday.

But with the memory of losing the FA Cup final to Manchester United in May still fresh in his mind, Dann now feels this is the perfect time to right those wrongs.

And the central defender is also now harbouring personal ambitions, looking to break into an England side far from settled on their back-line options.

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

“To get to the next level of playing in Europe is a big step, but if we keep on doing what we’re doing, then maybe in a couple of years’ time we can be there,” he said.

“I have been on the losing side in the cup final, and I have a League Cup winners’ medal having played every game until the final, which I missed through injury.

“Both of those memories are bittersweet, so it would be nice, especially as captain, to get a piece of silverware, and there’s no reason we can’t do that.

“Personally I would love to play for my country at some stage, so if I can keep playing well I might have a chance of that.”