Hudson misses finale but hopes to be back at Palace

Mark Hudson has not given up hope of playing for Crystal Palace despite being forced to return to Fulham.

Hudson impressed during three months on loan at Selhurst Park and the defender had hoped to sign for Iain Dowie's side. But negotiations over a £500,000-plus deal collapsed, ensuring Hudson's absence for the climax of Palace's play-off push.

Hudson, 22, who has one-year left on his Fulham contract, said: "The manager (Dowie) said we'll keep on trying to sort something out. You never know - maybe next season. I got on well with everyone. They're a great bunch of lads. There's a real team spirit and that's showed in the performances. I just hope they can crack on for the rest of the season."

The transfer is understood to have fallen through because Fulham insisted on an unusual option allowing them to buy Hudson back if Palace were not in the Premiership at the end of next season.

He said: "Palace can't agree to something like that and I wouldn't expect them to. That seemed to be the breaking point, because the goalposts had moved before that. I don't know too much about the real details. I just know it's a bit of a shame."

In Tony Popovic, Kit Symons, Mikele Leigertwood and the fit-again Darren Powell, Dowie has plenty of options at centre-back for tomorrow's home clash with Walsall.

Another loan signing, Nico Vaesen, is set to continue in goal despite fears he could be recalled by Birmingham as cover for suspended first-choice Maik Taylor. Under the terms of the loan, Steve Bruce can demand his return at 24 hours' notice, but Palace have so far not been notified that the Belgian is required for tomorrow's match with Arsenal.

Dowie has also agreed a deal to keep Vaesen for the play-offs should Palace qualify. Midfielder Michael Hughes will miss tomorrow's game through suspension.