Former captain Tony Popovic is to return to Crystal Palace as a member of Dougie Freedman's coaching team.

The 37-year-old, who made 144 appearances for the Eagles between 2001 and 2006, is currently assistant coach at Australian side Sydney FC and will return to England at the end of the A-League season later this month.

He could come earlier though if Sydney, with whom he claimed the A-League double last season alongside fellow coaches Viteslav Lavicka and Michal Zach, see their chances of qualifying for the Finals Series end earlier than expected.

Popovic told the Sydney FC website: "This is a great opportunity for me.

"It will help me further enhance my skill set as I work hard towards becoming the best coach I can be.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sydney FC as both a player and assistant coach.

"I have learnt a lot and working under Vitja for the past two years has been excellent for me."

There are three matches left of the regular A-League season, the final one being on February 12, and Sydney are currently ninth in the 11 team league.

The look unlikely to make the Series Finals, lying six points off the sixth place needed to qualify, meaning Popovic could be back at Selhurst Park as early as next week.