October 1 2008

Craig Beattie

CRAIG BEATTIE hopes to go on a prolific scoring run that will help earn him a permanent deal with Crystal Palace.

The 24-year-old is on a month's loan from Premier League outfit West Brom to ease Palace's striker shortage.

He has impressed Eagles manager Neil Warnock in his two matches since arriving from the Baggies and could stay at Selhurst Park longer if he keeps banging in the goals.

BEATTIE has already become a popular figure with Palace fans for scoring the winner to beat local enemies Charlton on Tuesday night.

"To score the goal and win the game is fantastic, especially on my home debut," he said.

“The gaffer said I was going to get games and to just go out and score goals — thankfully I did just that. As it stands the deal is for a month but anything is possible. I guess that’s up to me. It really is a fantastic opportunity for me.

“I was kicking my heels at West Brom and, as soon as I got the phone call, I was on my way.

“I’ve played in a few derbies with Celtic and in the Midlands and I knew how big this game would be. But that’s my first goal in a derby so it’s a special feeling.”