With Palace's relegation from the Premiership already confirmed, Folan made his first team debut in the final match of the 1997–98 season against Sheffield Wednesday, when he replaced Saša Ćurčić after 75 minutes.
As Palace's drop to a lower league was already decided, Folan entered the field for the last game of the 1997–98 season against Sheffield Wednesday, replacing Saša Ćurčić in the 75th minute.