September 12 2003

Dougie Freedman

Dougie Freedman has picked up the inaugural Umbro Isotonic First Division player of the month award for August.

Freedman has bagged five goals and helped the Eagles to a great start to the new campaign.

The judging panel said: "Freedman's goals and consistent performances have been a major part of Crystal Palace's start to the season.

"He is an intelligent player who creates goals as well as scoring them. He has the little bit extra all strikers need to create openings out of nothing."

He has been disgracefully overlooked by Scotland boss Berti Vogts since winning his only cap last year.