January 25 2012

Dougie Freedman

Manager DOUGIE FREEDMAN says he is proud of his battle weary players after Crystal Palace exited the Carling Cup to Cardiff on penalties.

The Palace boss saluted his team as they held off a Cardiff onslaught especially after Paddy McCarthy's red card in the 78th minute to keep the aggregate scores at 1-1. In the end Cardiff triumphed 3-1 on penalties to progress to the Carling Cup Final.

He said: "It was a fantastic physical effort. I felt we were asked a lot of questions which we answered. We dug in and I felt we grew into the game.

"The sending-off was disappointing but the response - you could not ask much more as a manager.

"The pride we've shown and the desire to work hard for each other and the commitment to each other was second to none and I'm really proud of that.

"I'm disappointed short-term, but long-term I think we can take a lot from that. We can take a lot from the challenge and the way we responded to it.

"I thought we were prepared and up for the challenge and we came close tonight.

"I think we won a lot of hearts tonight. It was a great cup tie and overall it was a very well-played game. It just wasn't to be.

"With the physical output we had to put out in the game, it's difficult to compose yourself and slot the penalties."