August 30 2002

Crystal Palace

DELE ADEBOLA has admitted he is trying too hard to win over the fans.

The striker says he needs to relax more and the goals will start to come.

He told the Advertiser: "You come to a new club and you want everyone to like you straight away.

"I was playing above my own normal pace and kept overrunning the ball and mishitting my shots.

"Maybe I need to take a step backward and go into games a little less charged. I have been asked if I am struggling to get fit because of my injury problems last season but that is not the case.

"Palace made me undergo a thorough medical before they signed me. I have not set myself a target but I am confident the goals will start flowing soon."