KEITH MILLEN says Alan Pardew is set to take training at Crystal Palace on Saturday and pick the team for Sunday's FA Cup clash at Dover Athletic.
Despite not yet being officially confirmed as the new Palace boss, Pardew was in the stands at Villa Park yesterday (Thursday) as the Eagles claimed a point in a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, and caretaker manager Millen said the former Palace player was in the office today (Friday).
And speaking at a press conference ahead of the FA Cup third round tie at Conference Premier side Dover Athletic, Millen said the club's staff are planning for Pardew to take charge this weekend.
He said: "They [Palace and Pardew] are still talking but there's no problems at all, it's just taking longer than expected.
"We're preparing for Alan to take training tomorrow but he'll pick the team."
Meanwhile, Millen says Palace will not underestimate their non-league opponents on Sunday, adding that they are on a good run and that the match will be "their cup final."
"It will be a battle," he said.
"We've done all our homework on Dover and shown them a lot of respect.
"Dover play an unusual shape so we've got to be ready for that.
"They've got dangerous front men so we know what we're coming up against."
However, Millen confirmed that Damien Delaney and James McArthur are doubts for the match, having picked up knocks in the goalless draw at Aston Villa.
