Julian Gray believes he will resurrect a partnership that had the other side of London in raptures four seasons ago.

Back then, the 11th-hour loan signing for Fulham was the man who provided the ammunition for s13million Andy Johnson to fire Crystal Palace into the Premiership.

Now the two are at the same club again and the 28-year-old left-winger is adamant history can repeat itself.

"Andy was really pleased to see me when we met up at the training ground," Gray said.

"At Palace I just laid it on for him, and I'd be delighted to do it again."

For all that, Gray's career faltered at Birmingham in his second season after he had been a regular for Brum and manager Steve Bruce.

A spat with the boss led to Gray spending more time on the sidelines than he would have wished.

"We fell out," he explained. "And that was because I wanted more time on the pitch - but that's football. I also had an injury last season, but it's different now."

The man who started his career with Arsenal is the only naturally left-sided forward at Fulham.

He can also double up at left-back, and was told he was just what boss Roy Hodgson was looking for.

"When Roy and I had a brief chat this week, he said Fulham hadn't got anyone like me," Gray added. "I know they have got Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies playing on the wings - but although they're very good players, they're naturally right-sided.

"I'll wait for my opportunity and hopefully show everyone what I can do on the left."

Time ran out for Alexey Smertin and Collins John this week after both midfielder and forward were released from their contracts.