Dover defender Sean Francis is hoping to be fit enough to come into consideration for Sunday's FA Cup third round clash against Premier League Crystal Palace at Crabble.

And if he recovers from a groin injury he picked up against Altrincham on December 20, Francis could find himself playing against a former Bishop’s Stortford team-mate, Dwight Gayle.

That’s providing the Palace striker, who has been out of favour of late, even makes the squad.

Francis, who joined Whites on a one-year deal from Bishop’s Stortford in the summer, said: “We had a good time together and we still stay in touch. We would both love to play against each other.”

“There would be a bit of banter for sure but whether we both get out there remains to be seen.

“I am close to being fit but I’ll just have to wait and see what the gaffer decides to do.”