RITCHIE Humphreys, fresh from his best display of the season, is relishing the chance to return to the big stage tonight.

Stand-in Hartlepool United captain Humphreys scored his first goal of the season in last Saturday's 4-1 win over Torquay.

And the midfielder, who started out at Sheffield Wednesday in 1996, is desperate to take his good form to Selhurst Park.

"It's a game and occasion we are all looking forward to,'' he admitted. "It's a big week for the club and it's important that we go into the game on the back of a good result.

"People said Saturday was my best performance of the season and if they want to say that, then that's up to them.

"But I enjoyed the game and the goal.''

Pool controversially beat Palace in an FA Cup tie at Victoria Park in 1992, a repeat of that single goal win tonight would put more pressure on the south London club who have yet to win a game this season.

But boss Iain Dowie is hoping victory will put a much-needed spark into Palace's season.

Dowie and Cooper stood toe-to-toe last season on the touchline and he admitted: "I've had one or two clashes with Neale when I was at Oldham and he's a good lad.

''It gets a bit lively on the touchline with him. We had some verbal sparring during a game but it was all forgotten afterwards. He's done a great job.''

Cooper said: "We are all looking forward to it, it's nice to play on a big stage like Selhurst Park and it will be good to test ourselves against a Premiership club.

However, Dowie remains confident: "We are the Premiership side and clearly favourites. But we have to move the ball like we can, create some opportunities and take our chances.

''We will do things right and in a thoughtful fashion and show Hartlepool the utmost respect.

''I'm looking forward to it but I know it will be tough. We must show them the same respect we would Manchester United.''

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Pool are in talks with the Black Cats over a deal to take centre-back Ben Clark to Victoria Park.

Cooper has discussed the possibility of the 21-year-old moving on loan, but Sunderland may be keener to see the Consett-born defender move down the A19 permanently.

McCarthy said: "It hasn't gone any further yet. He (Neale Cooper) rang me and asked me about Ben Clark.

"I think initially they were looking at a loan and I'm discussing it with Hartlepool and the player.

"He could do with some first-team football - absolutely. We'll see what happens with that.

"There's nothing definite on it yet. They're looking for him on a loan and they might look to take him permanently."

* Palace boss Dowie will rest star striker Andy Johnson tonight after he picked up a knock against Manchester City on Saturday.

Dowie revealed a big bruise had appeared on Johnson's leg and he required some much-needed rest.

''He's far too important to us for me to throw him in,'' said Dowie.

"I'm not going to take any risks with a player like Andy."

Summer signing Mark Hudson picked up an ankle injury in the weekend's defeat and he will also sit out.

Veteran striker Neil Shipperley is suspended after being sent-off for the reserves last week.

However, Dowie confirmed there would not be wholesale changes as his side look to progress in the competition.

"This is important to us," he said.

Read more about Hartlepool here.