Dann Desperate to get back for Palace

Crystal Palace skipper Scott Dann narrowly avoided a lengthy lay-off due to injury and is keen to make the most of it ahead of the new season at Selhurst Park.

An ankle injury suffered in the FA Cup final looked set to keep Dann on the sidelines for an extended period, but after spending the summer rehabbing, the centre-back is primed for a return.

And just to ensure he was in tip-top condition for the new season – which Palace kick off at home to West Brom next Saturday – Dann returned to pre-season training a week earlier than the rest of the squad.

He said: “My season ended on a sore note as I sustained some damage to my ankle ligaments in the FA Cup final.

(Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

“At first I thought it was going to be a long lay-off but once we got the results back the doctor said it was nothing serious and I would only be out for about six weeks so it fitted in well.

“If there is any time to be injured then it’s best to be at the end of the season!

“The chance to give my body a rest has probably helped and I am feeling good again.

“To make sure that I was fit and ready to go I came back a week ahead of the rest of the squad, but training with the lads again has been really good.

“It’s great to be back at Selhurst Park again after a busy summer for myself and the football club.

“It was also nice to get the group away for ten days or so in the USA and Canada which I think is something you need in pre-season.

“We’ve not had the full squad with us because of the Euros and transfers but it was enjoyable and a good place to get some of the hard work done.”