November 17 2007

Selhurst Park

JOSE FONTE is delighted to get a run in the Crystal Palace side and insists he won't give up his place without a fight.

The Portuguese defender has played in the last five matches under new manager Neil Warnock.

With Warnock having a liking for physical centre backs, the future may be looking bleak for ball-playing FONTE. But the on-loan Benfica ace is not concerned.

He said: "I want to stay in the team. I know the manager is trying to sign more defenders, but that doesn't blother me.

"Any new players will have to work very hard to take my place or [Mark] Hudson's. And I'm still not 100 per cent fit, so hopefully I can only get better.

"I was a bit apprehensive when the new manager came in, because he didn't know me. But he wasn't afraid to give me my opportunity and put me in the team, so I'm very pleased and grateful to him.

"He has given me lots of confidence. He trusts me. He told me to keep it simple, which is what I've tried to do. Now I just have to keep playing at the same level."