August 10 2003

Dougie Freedman

Hat-trick hero Dougie Freedman praised his team-mates' hard work in the scorching heat as nine-man Palace won 3-2 away to Burnley.

Freedman said: "There is a great spirit at the club but just being down to 10 men so early on was an incredible test.

"We knew it was going to be very hard given the heat but the lads showed what they are about out there.

"Everyone worked for each other and, in the end, we got a result all our hard work deserved.

"It's early days yet but it's good for the confidence to get off to a start like this because Burnley are always tough to play at their own ground."