Delaney relishing McCarthy rivalry at Palace

Damien Delaney has every reason to give Paddy McCarthy the cold shoulder, but he is actually embracing his clubmate like a brother.

Back to full fitness following 18 months out with a groin problem, Dubliner McCarthy is eyeing up the centre-back spot that Delaney has made his own with Crystal Palace this season.

Yet Cork native Delaney has welcomed the competition from his fellow Irishman as he believes the options will help the Eagles in their bid to survive in the Premier League.