August 23 2006

Dougie Freedman

Dougie Freedman says he was "gutted" to see Crystal Palace knocked out of the Carling Cup.

The Eagles were beaten 2-1 by League Two outfit Notts County at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.

Michael Hughes put Palace in front after 17 minutes before Lawrie Dudfield levelled for the Magpies six minutes later. Then Daniel Martin grabbed an 84th minute winner for the visitors.

Freedman said: "Of course we’re gutted, but full credit to Notts County. They had a game-plan and stuck to it.

"It wasn’t a case of too many changes in the team. We are all first team players and Notts County were better than us on the night.

"You don’t want to lose this way. The manger was gutted. It was a chance for the players who haven’t been playing in the first team to get first team action to show we should be playing and we let ourselves down to be honest."

Freedman played an unfamilar role on the right-wing and put in a man-of-the-match display.

"I’m just happy to be playing," said. "I enjoy playing in the first-team and am happy to adapt to different positions. Striker is my natural position but I can adapt.

"First and foremost I do play up front and like to make and take goals, but the manager asked me to play on the right and I feel it’s another string to my bow.

"I tried my best. It’s a team game, we didn’t win and I’m part of that team. I’ve got to be disappointed."