HAVING failed to score past one of his former sides a week ago, Clarets striker Gareth Taylor will be desperate to notch his first goal of the season against another old team, Crystal Palace.

That will involve getting the better of Australian international Tony Popovic, the big man at the heat of the Palace defence whether Trevor Francis plays with four or five at the back.

Taylor hit a personal best of 16 goals last season and he already knows he will be missing next weekend when the Clarets take on Derby County as he is away on international duty with Wales.

So he will be hoping to open his account against the Eagles and give Mark Hughes a little reminder of what he can do.

Taylor spent less than one season at Selhurst Park where he struggled to make an impact and struck just once in 20 League games.

That was the number of League games Popovic played for the Eagles last season after his move from Sanfrecce.

This is his second crack at making it in English football after he failed to make the breakthrough at Wolves in two seasons in the mid-90s.

At 6ft 5ins he is one of the biggest defenders around but Taylor has a deserved reputation as one of the best headers of the ball in the division he will aim to give him an uncomfortable afternoon.