Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has hinted that Glenn Murray will make a long-awaited return to action this weekend after his nine-month injury spell.

Murray, who ruptured his knee ligaments at the end of last season, is expected to be on the bench for Saturday’s home game against West Bromich Albion.

The 30-year-old bagged 31 goals for Palace last season and would be a welcome return ahead of their battle to avoid relegation.

Pulis said: “He will be like a new signing for us. He’s been training for about three weeks and has played a couple of matches behind closed doors and he looks fit and strong.”

Pulis was also looking forward to contributions from new January signings Tom Ince, Joe Ledley and Scott Dann – all yet to make their debuts.

Although the Welshman did admit he has not yet made his mind up who will start on Saturday.

He added: “I will make a decision tomorrow – they have all trained well and there is better competition in the squad now.

“They have looked the part and integrated into the group really well.”

Ince turned down the interests of Liverpool in order to sign for Palace and his new manager believes the relegation battle will be a great challenge of him.

But Pulis also admitted there was no automatic option to buy the 22-year-old winger at the end of the season.

He said: “Whether we keep Tom depends on whether he enjoys it here and it’s a great challenge for him.

“He has played a lot of games in his career but hasn’t played in the Premiership so it’s a great chance for him to get that experience and to test himself and we are looking forward to seeing it.”