Crystal Palace midfielder Owen Garvan hopes to be fit for the Premier League kickoff.

Garvan has been struggling with a knee injury sustained in the opening pre-season friendly at Dagenham last month.

The Irish midfielder, 25, feared he would miss the big kick-off against Tottenham on August 18.

But he is back in training and is closing in on a Palace comeback.

He said: "I had some tendonitis on the knee, but I should be alright for the start of the season."