A COUNTRY call with a difference will keep Sasa Curcic out of the Crystal Palace side for Sunday's visit to the Reebok.

The former Bolton star is on indefinite leave from the London club after being called up to do his national service in the Yugoslav army.

It's the latest bizarre twist in the career of the "super" Serb Wanderers imported from Partizan Belgrade for £1.5 million in 1995.

He became an instant hit at Burnden Park and was one of the few successes of the ill-fated 95-96 Premiership campaign before a £4.5 million transfer took him to Aston Villa on the eve of the 96-97 season.

His stay at Villa Park turned sour when he lost his place, described leaving Bolton as "the worst decision of his life" and had a major fall-out with manager Brian Little. Palace rescued him last season when they paid Villa a knockdown £1 million fee but he has failed to hold down a regular place under Terry Venables this season - starting only four league games.

Nevertheless, he recently outlined his commitment to the Eagles when he said: "I love the club and the only way I will leave this place is in a box!"

Palace, who have yet to win on a visit to Bolton, could soon be further weakened by the loss of "wonder kid" Matt Jansen.

The 21-year-old former Carlisle striker is said to be on the verge of a £4.5 million transfer to Newcastle - the club he supported as a boy - as Palace chairman Mark Goldberg is desperate to raise cash to finalise his purchase of the club from Ron Noades.

Venables is hoping Italian 'playmaker' Attilio Lombardo - missing for six weeks with a hamstring injury - will be available. The former Sampdoria and Juventus ace was caretaker manager when Palace last visited the Reebok in the penultimate game of last season's Premiership campaign when Wanderers grabbed a survival lifeline with a 5-2 win.

Curcic, who was substitute that day, was given a hostile reception from the Bolton fans.

Wanderers expect to make just one change from the side beaten 2-1 by Wolves in last week's third round FA Cup tie. Paul Warhurst, who completed the formalities of his £800,000 transfer from Palace yesterday, will return in place of Gudni Bergsson, who is struggling again with a groin problem.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.