September 14 2011

Dougie Freedman

Crystal Palace boss DOUGIE FREEDMAN lavished praise on Jonathan Williams after his goal helped put Wigan out of the Carling Cup.

The 17-year-old added the second goal - his first professional strike - to put Palace in the driving seat after Darren Ambrose had scored the opener.

Ben Watson netted a stoppage time consolation for the Latics but the Londoners held on to claim a Premier League scalp in the 2-1 victory.

"I'm very pleased with the performance of the lads," said FREEDMAN. "I mixed the team up with some young lads and some experience and to beat a Premier League side of the quality of Wigan is very pleasing.

"We put a lot of work in and got the rewards at the end. Jon and Stuart O'Keefe came into the team and they were fantastic.

"I can remember Ben Watson, at 17, playing in the first team here, and the progression he's made I am looking forward to seeing players like Jon doing the same, up to the Premier League - hopefully with us.

"I'm not surprised by him at all. I've seen him training with the first team, and he's a very good prospect for us.

"I hope the fans enjoy these young players. If I didn't think they were ready I wouldn't play them. It's good for the club. Physically he's got a long way to go, but he's got a football brain."