Morrison hoping French lesson will earn him place

The 26-year-old made an instant impact when he made his return to Selhurst Park against Stoke City on Saturday by setting up the second of Andrew Johnson's two goals.

But Morrison is hopeful a good performance against the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and William Gallas will persuade Iain Dowie to give him his first start in his second spell with the Eagles.

Morrison said: "I hope to start, but it is totally up to the manager. I go away now with Ireland, if I do well against France, score against them, then come back and I'm on the bench against Hull, I will be a bit disappointed.

"But you never know? We have to wait and see. I have to bide my time, I'm not going to kick up a fuss or anything. I know my time will come."

The Tooting born forward signed for the Eagles in a £2million deal last week after Palace boss Iain Dowie beat off competition from Norwich and Southampton for his signature.

After the bid had been made public, Dowie rejected concerns that Morrison would not be welcomed back by section of Selhurst Park, which was proved by the warm reception the former Birmingham man received on Saturday.

Morrison was relieved the fans have taken him back, admitted he always thought he would be.

Morrison said: "I have always been good with the fans. I have always said that. When I left Birmingham I would liked to come back to Palace, and it has happened.

"I think they respect all of the old players that worked hard for the club. All fans want you to work hard and try your best. If you do that then they will always cheer you on.

"They deserve to be back in the Premiership, hopefully I can take them there."

The Eagles fans are not the ones happy to see Morrison return. His mum has been in dreamland very since his transfer was confirmed last week .

Morrison added: "She is happy. She only lives five minutes around the corner so she isbuzzing.