NEW Charlton signing Greg Halford could make his debut in this Friday’s South London derby at home to Crystal Palace (kick off 7.45pm).

Halford joined the club on loan from Sunderland on transfer deadline day as part of the deal which saw Andy Reid move in the other direction.

He played for the reserves against Millwall in midweek and got on the scoresheet during a 5-1 success.

Charlton will try to rush back key midfielder Zheng Zhi from international duty with China in time for the match.

If he arrives back in time, Zheng will play three games in six days. He featured in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Scunthorpe before Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Iraq in Dubai.

Addicks boss Alan Pardew has been fulsome in his praise for Palace manager Neil Warnock in turning the Eagles’ season around.

Pardew said: “Working with more or less the same set of players he’s made a big difference. They are a tough, hard-working side who make it difficult for every team they play.”