Crystal Palace to head abroad

Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed his players will take part in a warm-weather training camp in the coming weeks.

The Eagles, 2.10 to be relegated, will be taken away as a reward for their recent form after picking up two wins in their last five matches in all competitions.

Last month’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth was followed by two defeats to Sunderland and Stoke City but they responded on Saturday afternoon.

A single goal from Patrick van Aanholt was enough for Allardyce’s men to secure a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at home and that allowed them to move out of the relegation zone.

Confidence is growing at Selhurst Park and Allardcye believes a trip away will stand them in good stead. The club plan to leave for warmer climates after next week’s fixture against West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking about the trip, Allardyce said: “We’ll have a look at that now this week. The weather’s so poor here.

“Since 2001, in the Premier League, apart from with Newcastle because I got sacked before I could take them away, I’ve taken every team away for the sunshine; a warm-weather break.

“It’s worked for me, so we’ll be looking at that this week to see where we can go.

“Everyone’s lifted their physical element, which I think has come from the training we’ve given them, and that’s helped with the mental side: the decision making [against Middlesbrough] was very, very good.”