DOWIE: BLUES A THREAT

Saturday 21 August 2004, 11:57

Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie will be taking nothing for granted ahead when Everton visit Selhurst Park on Saturday.

After finishing fourth from bottom last season, many South Londoners feel that the Eagles have a great chance of gaining all three points on Saturday.

However, Dowie has warned fans not to expect an easy game against the Blues, in fact he's anticipating anything but.

"I think it's disrespectful to say we're going to get points on the board against Everton," he said.

"Everton are an established football club. Whoever the team is we have to be 100 per cent focused on what they do very well and what we do very well.

"I think it will be an uncompromising and physically demanding game."

Dowie is a huge admirer of opposite number David Moyes, who like himself made his name with a lower division club, Oldham Athletic, before reaching the big time.

"I know David very well," said Dowie.

"I've got a lot of admiration for David. He has come from, if you like, the proper school. He's come through the lower levels and has worked hard."