June 11 2008

Ben Watson

Crystal Palace's BEN WATSON insists his play-off heartache will make him a stronger person.

The midfielder scored in each of Palace's play-off semi-final defeats against Bristol City last month but it wasn't enough as the Eagles crashed out.

WATSON missed a crucial penalty in the second leg which could have put his side in the driving seat for the Wembley final where Bristol ended up losing to Hull.

WATSON admits that it hurts seeing Palace fail to win promotion but is refusing to dwell on what might have been and is instead looking forward to the forthcoming campaign.

"The disappointment of losing to Bristol City has started to fade," he said. "Well, it both has and it hasn’t. You can't help having all the ifs, buts and maybes but it is one of those things that happens in football.

"I can't look back and dwell on it though, I have got to get on with it and get on with my football. I'm sure the other lads will be feeling the same thing.

"Experiences like that make you stronger and make you a better player. Hopefully in the coming season that will be the case.

"It is the same with the penalty that I missed. I don’t beat myself up about it. You have to take these things in your stride. These things happen. It’s the way I react now that matters."

For the full story, go to WATSON's Icons.com page WATSON/diary.html?11.06.08"target=_blank> here