August 19 2008

Selhurst Park

KIERON CADOGAN has set his sights on a place in the first team after signing his first pro deal with Crystal Palace.

CADOGAN, Kieran Djilali and James Comley all penned contracts with the Eagles last week after impressing for the Academy side.

The trio will hope to follow in the footsteps of Sean Scannell, Lee Hills and Victor Moses who have made the break into the first XI.

CADOGAN, 18, said: "I'm very happy. I got told I was going to play in some pre-season games but I thought I was just filling space. It was sprung on me to be honest.

"Neil said he was impressed with me and wanted to offer me a contract. He introduced himself to us when he came and made us feel comfortable and talks to us all the time.

"He keeps on getting Kieran Djilali and myself mixed up because we have the same first name - so my first task is to make sure he knows who I am.

"I'll be looking to do that by working hard on the training ground day in day out and hopefully that will help.

"I was quite shocked when the manager said he was going to offer me a contract. Now I hope to have a chance of breaking into the first team this season."