Crystal Palace boss explains ex-QPR man’s substitution in Wolves win

By Nick Wright Wednesday, January 2, 2013
12:01 PM

Manager Ian Holloway says Danny Gabbidon’s half time substitution in Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win against Wolves on New Year’s Day was only a precaution after the centre back felt pain in his hamstring.

The 33-year-old, who signed for Palace on a free transfer in September following his release from QPR, made way for Southampton loanee Aaron Martin at the break as the Eagles halted a run of five games without a win to move back up to third in the Championship table.

With Damien Delaney serving a three-match suspension after he was shown straight red card in the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield, Gabbidon has featured regularly for Palace over the Christmas period having only made one substitute appearance previously.

Holloway said the Wales veteran’s substitution was merely precautionary and the Palace boss hopes the decision to take him off will have helped avoid aggravating a potential hamstring problem.

“It was only a precaution,” said Holloway. “That’s his third or fourth game in only a very short time and he felt his hamstring.

“It’s great to be able to do that, get him off a half time.

“We’ve got [Damien] Delaney coming back and hopefully we’ve protected him.”