Murray and Thomas close to Crystal Palace returns

Tony Pulis might not need to dip in to the January transfer window for a striker with Glenn Murray mounting an incredible comeback and Jerome Thomas nearing full fitness.

Murray, 30, was a revelation last season with 30 league goals firing Palace up into the Premier League.

But, in a tragic twist of fate, the frontman suffered a serious knee injury in the Play-off semi-final against his former club Brighton and has been recuperating and rehabilitating up until now.

So severe was Murray's injury that he was left out of the club's 25-man squad at the start of the season but there is a glimmer of hope he could be named in the group that mounts a battle for survival in the second half of the season.

Thomas is another attacking talent Palace have been sorely missing as he has been out since November with a groin injury that is now healed.

When asked if Murray is ready to return to the fold, Pulis said: "I will tell you in three weeks. He has trained and done bits and pieces with us, he is very positive at the moment.

"It's been lovely to see Jerome Thomas out and training with us as well, he looked sharp and ready to go.

"They are two players that you can say we can add who will bring that little bit of quality that we will certainly want and certainly need."