IT’S NOT FIRM, TO BE FAIR

BERAM KAYAL says tomorrow’s FA Cup derby between Brighton and Crystal Palace is no Old Firm clash – like he played in with Celtic – but it’s still pretty special.

The rivalry between the South Coast’s Seagulls and London’s Eagles is one of the more unlikely but fiercest in English football.

This season’s Premier League clash between the sides was marred by violence, as balaclava-clad Palace fans hurdled turnstiles to get inside the ground – and defaced a mural of Brighton captain Bruno in the city centre.

But Kayal isn’t worried. He spent five years with Celtic, where he won four league titles and two Scottish FA Cups, and has felt derby heat.

The Brighton star (below) said: “I’ve played in a few derbies but to play in the Old Firm was the best experience I’ve had in my life.

“I know what playing against Palace means to the fans.”

Kayal, who is coming back after a broken leg, added: “It’s not Rangersceltic, but the game at home, in the league this season, showed what it meant.

“You saw how the fans were reacting.”

Brighton boss Chris Hughton is planning to make changes.

Defender Connor Goldson is expected to start and reserve keeper Tim Krul could get a debut.