He also confirmed he still hopes to recruit a new striker and midfielder, but of his return to his former club, he is unconcerned about promoting Speroni against so prolific a team despite him conceding three goals in a defeat by Arsenal the last time he played.

"It's a tough ask, there's no question of that," said Hodgson, with Liverpool having scored 50 times in 22 league fixtures.

"In an ideal world you'd not be thrusting him in, you'd hopefully be easing him in, but we've no choice.

"He's happy to have the chance and I'm pretty sure he'll be working very hard to make certain he stays in contention, even when the other two are fit.

"But that hasn't bothered me particularly. Julian is a very, very active goalkeeper, certainly in training. I don't notice any difference in him from when he played a year ago; I'm happy that we've got him. He's looking forward to it, has confidence in himself.

"He's a good goalkeeper, so we're very fortunate. To have his quality and experience as the third goalkeeper is pretty fortunate. We've someone who's played over 400 times for Palace and is in very good shape."

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