April 11 2006

Dougie Freedman

Dougie Freedman believes a top-four finish willl give Palace a vital edge in the play-offs.

The teams who finish third and fourth in the Championship will play the second leg of their play-off semi-final at home.

And Scottish striker Freedman knows how much of an advantage that can be.

He said: "If we could play at home in the second leg it would be a big plus for us.

"I once played for Palace when we beat Charlton in the second leg of a play-off semi-final and the atmosphere was unforgettable."

Palace are currently in sixth place but the gap to the top four is just three points.

Freedman added: "We have done it the other way round before, but I know the value of playing the second match at home."