Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew admits Scott Dann's hamstring injury is a blow.

Dann will miss today's clash with Sunderland.

"I think Scott is as good a defender as I've had for consistency, prowess, and aerial situations, offensively and defensively," said Pardew, when asked how good the 29-year-old is compared to others the boss has worked with as a manager.

"He's technically gifted with the ball and there's not many weaknesses that he has.

"Therefore, the fact that he's mentioned with England is quite right. He is such a big threat at set-plays, one of the biggest in the Premier League.

"Now, we have Damien Delaney who is a very good organiser. I have no worries about Damien and James Tomkins for this weekend.

"They played together in pre-season and they're actually a good pair. Damo will probably do the crux of organisation on Saturday. And yes (he will be captain)."