April 18 2006

Iain Dowie

IAIN DOWIE has told his fringe players they blew a chance to feature in the play-offs.

DOWIE was disappointed with the lacklustre showing from his side in the goalless draw at Burnley on Monday.

The Eagles boss had given Jon Macken, Mark Hudson, Marco Reich and Mikele Leigertwood a chance to stake their claims for a regular place.

But DOWIE said: "There were people who were handed opportunities today but they didn't take them.

"It certainly wasn't complacency but if we play with that laissez-faire attitude then we may get hurt.

"I would love to have had Andy playing today but he's had a few bumps and bruises since he came back and Clinton and Jon aren't bad players, they just didn't gel today."

DOWIE admitted he would happy to face any of Palace's potential play-offs opponents.

He said: "I don't mind who we get in the play-offs because I've got a lot of respect for all the teams and all the managers.

"It looks like we're playing catch-up but we'll keep going until the end of the season because there's everything left to play for and we certainly don't fear anyone."