Tom Kearney is ready to rattle opponents right through the season.

The 20-year-old slightly-built Liverpudlian looks as if he wouldn't hurt a fly. But impressions can be deceptive.

City's spiky midfield trio of Kearney, Paul Evans and Jamie Lawrence shook a few bones against Wolves on Sunday, refusing to shirk a challenge at Valley Parade.

Now they are setting their sights on storming the Palace and making a big impression on Selhurst Park tonight.

Kearney said: "We're all very competitive and like to put our foot in. But that's what the game is about, not just about playing football all the time.

"Paul Evans is a good player, he's got an old head on him and knows the game. I think we help each other along, it works both ways and Jamie is always in there.

"It's good for team spirit because you've got to work for your place and everyone feeds off each other."

Kearney, one of the five players to remain on contract through the summer shenanigans, is set to become one of City's shining lights this term. That is why Nicky Law is desperate to sit down with him at the nearest opportunity and discuss extending his present one-year deal.

Kearney said: "It's just nice to start the season in the first team and that's where I'm looking to stay all year. My aim is to keep working hard.

"The bookies have written us off but we're not bothered what everyone thinks. With all that's happened the lads have grown stronger and if we all stick together then I think we can do well.

"It's great to finally just get on with the football and know we've got a season to look forward to. There was a feeling of relief for everyone on Sunday - for the fans and us - that we could finally get on with it and I don't think we let anyone down.

"We played some good stuff at times against Wolves and now we've got to carry that on into tonight's game."

Crystal Palace opened their campaign with a 2-1 win at Preston which should guarantee a big crowd for their first home game - considerably bigger than the 2,000 declared for Wimbledon on Saturday.

Kearney added: "With two games on top of each we're into the thick of it now. But this is what it's all about and I can't wait to play again.

"Palace will be up for it after their good win but we can take a lot of positives from our performance on Sunday."