Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was among many to pay tribute to Julian Speroni ahead of the goalkeeper's testimonial at Selhurst Park tonight.

The 36-year-old Argentinian, who has just signed a one-year contract extension, faces Dundee - the only other British club he has played for - after moving south of the border in a £500,000 deal in 2004.

Parish said: "Everybody loves him. He is the four-time player of the year and this is an opportunity to show how much he means to us.

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"He is one of the greatest players to have ever pulled on our shirt.

"Jules had plenty of opportunities to go when things were tough, but he stuck with us through thick and thin. He is a top, top, guy."

Striker Dwight Gayle, who is expected to leave Palace in the summer, will start upfront in a team that will feature most of the current first team squad and boss Alan Pardew in a playing role.

Gayle posted on Twitter: "Looking forward to Speroni's testimonial later, make sure the Palace fans come and support the legend."

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The way we were: Julian Speroni in Palace colours in 2007

Former Palace stars John Salako, Matt Lawrence, Danny Butterfield and Aki Riihilahti are also expected to play a part for the Eagles, whereas Charlie Adam, Fabian Caballero and Temuri Ketsbaia will turn out for Dundee.

Ex-Eagles midfielder Riihilahti, who now coaches for Finnish club HJK in his homeland, said: "I am so excited to come and play in this game. Julian is not just a great player and a Palace hero but really one of the nicest people you can come across in football.

"I am truly honoured to be involved and looking forward to a great night for Jules."

More than 2,000 Dundee fans have travelled to London for tonight's game to celebrate the keeper's career after he spent three seasons at Dens Park from 2001.

Tickets for the match are on general sale and priced at £25 for adults and £5 for concessions (over 65s and under 16s).