ALAN Smith's tough new regime is starting to pay big dividends as Crystal Palace eye the play-offs.

Eagles chief Smith has already drafted in a dietician as well as hauling his young players in for training on Sunday's.

And now his team are tested twice a week for drink and drugs as part of a new hard-line approach at Selhurst.

His stringent measures appear to be paying off, however, as Palace go in tonight's clash against Rovers on the back of a 12-game unbeaten run.

"We've been taking urine tests from the boys for alcohol and other stuff," said Smith.

"We've got six matches in 12 days and can't afford any slip ups.

"It's tempting at this time of year to go out drinking but this gives them a form of discipline."

Smith's antics are the latest in a series of tough new measures designed to get the best out of a squad of underachievers.

Already, the Selhurst chief has delivered a short, sharp shock to Clinton Morrison, Hayden Mullins and Jamie Smith.

They were accused of lapping up the fame and new contracts while not justifying them on the field.

"When I came here, I don't think the players realised what I was trying to achieve," said Smith.

"Now there is trust and acceptance.

"I have an open style of management and, if you tell the players the truth, sometimes they don't like it."