April 27 2006

Clinton Morrison

Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison feels Iain Dowie was right to give him the axe against Southampton on Saturday, by Stuart Pink.

The Republic of Ireland striker came off the bench to score an 81st minute winner after he was only named as a substitute following the Eagles' disappointing goalless draw with Burnley on Easter Monday.

Although he admitted he was disappointed to be omitted from the starting line-up, the striker believes it was the correct decision and gave him the wake-up call he needed.

"I felt tired and I felt flat against Burnley," said Morrison. "I had a word with the manager and we're on good terms but I knew I wasn't going to start I didn't deserve to after playing like that at Burnley.

"But I know I can score goals when I'm on it and on Saturday I felt good when I came on and maybe I needed that kick up the backside and being put on the bench to come on and turn the game."

The 26-year-old's strike against the Saints was his 13th of the campaign which makes him the Eagles' second top goal scorer behind Andrew Johnson.

However, his goal tally may not be enough to give him the nod to play alongside Johnson when the play-offs commence next week.

Morrison is desperate to play and discarded speculation Dowie has already told him he will not be involved from the start.

Morrison added: "He never said to me you're not going to start in the play-offs. That's just busy people wiring in the papers saying Stars like Clinton Morrison were mad'.

"He just said if people don't perform they're not going to play, which is fair enough.

"I didn't perform well against Burnley so I didn't deserve to start on Saturday which I didn't.

"But I came on and scored a goal and gave him a problem that's what my job is."

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