Crystal Palace striker Calvin Andrew is close to making his long-awaited first-team comeback as he recovers from an horrific knee injury.

Andrew damaged cruciate ligaments in his right knee while on loan at Brighton back in May and underwent reconstructive surgery in the summer.

The 22-year-old played his first 30 minutes of football since the injury on Monday and assistant manager Mick Jones believes his recovery is going better than expected.

Jones told the official website: "Calvin played his first competitive game for half-an-hour on Monday and he is miles ahead of schedule following one of the worst knee injuries I have seen.

"It was three serious injuries in one knee and he has come through that.

"He has got three more weeks now before he sees the surgeon to get the all-clear but touch wood, and wishing the best for him, I just hope that continues because that will give us a bit more strength up front."