March 17 2008

Dougie Freedman

Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman has told Neil Warnock his best is yet to come.

Freedman is on loan at League One promotion chasers Leeds until the end of the season after failing to break into boss Warnock's starting eleven.

The 32-year-old netted twice in United's 3-3 draw at Port Vale on Saturday and hopes his goals for Leeds will force him into Warnock's plans for next season.

"I don't like to make excuses but I told Neil that he had not seen the best of me and I think that's why the manager didn't close the door on my Palace career," said Freedman.

"The reason I came to Leeds was to see if I can still do it and get the buzz. I needed to know if I wanted to play on and I'll definitely know by the summer.

"I could easily have sat in the stands and accepted my Crystal Palace career was over or taken the reserve job and been comfortable.But I needed this challenge and I needed answers that I wouldn't get by sitting in the stands for the next six weeks.

"What percentage would I give of me pulling on a Palace shirt next season? It's going to be very difficult but the ball is in my court.

"I would be very disappointed if I didn't come back in the summer with a good strike-rate and a promotion under my belt. If I do that Neil is an experienced enough manager to say: 'Maybe I will have you here next year'.

"If I don't do well and Leeds don't get in the play-offs it might be a little hard for me to persuade the manager that I deserve a chance in his side."