Crystal Palace boss George Burley has played down the absence of Edgar Davids.

Davids missed Saturday's 4-3 defeat at Preston, but the Dutchman is staying at Selhurst Park.

The 37-year-old former Tottenham midfielder has found the tempo of the Championship something of a shock, compared to the level he's used to.

Manager George Burley said of Davids's absence: "Edgar had a virus, so he was out from Thursday. That's why he wasn't there on Saturday. He trained on Monday and yesterday. He should be OK for Saturday."

Which could be good news or bad, depending on how one views his exploits so far. Davids has been terribly exposed at left-back but looks the part when switched to midfield. He won't find it easy against Swansea, one of the Championship's form teams, if selected for Saturday's clash at Selhurst Park.