TERRY VENABLES wasted no time in starting his rebuilding programme following Palace's exit from the Intertoto Cup in Turkey on Saturday.

Liverpool youngster Nicky Rizzo is expected to join the club this week as Venables turns his attention 100 per cent to Palace after his holiday and World Cup commentating commitments.

The Intertoto Cup was seen by Venables as a nuisance-factor, offering only a distraction to his number one priority . . . getting Crystal Palace back in the Premiership.

Two goals by Serkan Aykut, one at either end of the match, ensured it would be only a brief distraction.

After the 4-0 aggregate defeat, Venables said: "The competition came to early for us. They were a very strong side, but I was a lot happier with the way we played in the second leg.

"We need some promising youngsters and also need to build a bigger squad.

"We are looking to sign players with potential, who we can then develop."

Crystal Palace continue their pre-season build up with a trip to Gillingham tonight.

This will be followed by a `derby' against Millwall at the New Den on Saturday.

Neil Shipperley will miss tonight's game because of a wrist injury, as will Attilio Lombardo, but Sasa Curcic could play.

Owen Phillips

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