July 13 2002

Dougie Freedman

Dougie Freedman hailed goalscorer Stephen Kabba's performance in the win over Barnet.

Kabba partnered Freedman up front as Clinton Morrison is on an extended holiday following the World Cup and was impressive throughout.

The youngster could be pushing for a first team place after improving his game following a loan spell with Luton last season.

Freedman said: "I thought Stephen was excellent tonight, showed good ball control, took his goal well and his pace was a constant threat to them.

"He is still young and is learning all the time but his spell on loan at Luton last season has helped his whole game."

Palace dominated against the Conference side and Freedman must have been particularly pleased to win against his old side.

He said: "It is always nice to start playing matches after the fitness work of the last few weeks and we put in a good professional performance.

"The goals came in a real quick spell and sealed the match for us but of more importance in these matches are how you play as a team ready for the season.

"We have a good set of pre-season matches lined up and tonight was a good start but we must keep playing as well and building our confidence so we are ready for the season against Preston and start in the same fashion as last year."