Saints in Crouch plea

Southampton claim top scorer Peter Crouch was wrongfully dismissed.

Southampton claim top scorer Peter Crouch was wrongfully dismissed in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace.

The South Coast club are desperate for their talismanic striker to be involved in the crucial last fixture of the Premiership season against Manchester United.

Harry Redknapp was disappointed with the decision to red-card Crouch and The Football Association have received the claim of wrongful dismissal from Saints.

It will be hoped that the sending off is overturned and the ex-Portsmouth hit-man is made available for the St Mary's encounter, a match that is live on Sky Sports Xtra.

Crouch kicked out at Palace's Gonzalo Sorondo and scuffled with the South American as tempers frayed during the tense relegation scrap and referee Howard Webb decided the striker's actions warranted a red card.

An FA disciplinary commission will consider the claim on Tuesday with Crouch hoping his season is not over and he can still make an appearance in the match against FA Cup finalists United.

Southampton need victory against The Red Devils but their fate is not in their own hands.