March 8 2007

Scott Flinders

Scott Flinders admits Crystal Palace's huge rivalry with Brighton didn't put him off joining them on loan.

The goalkeeper, 20, moved to Palace's arch-enemies for some first-team action after being unable to displace current no.1 Gabor Kiraly.

Flinders has had a mixed time of it at the south coast club, helping them to a win, draw and a defeat in his three matches.

And the ex-Barnsley man is grateful to the Brighton fans for putting their hatred with Palace to one side to give him a big welcome.

"I always thought Millwall were Palace's biggest rivals," he said. "But then I got told, I think it was by Dougie Freedman or Clinton Morrison, that it is Brighton.

"It didn't put me off signing. It is just about playing games.

"The fans have been absolutely excellent towards me, even though I am coming from a rival club. Hopefully they thought I played well on Saturday (at Crewe).

"John Keeley the goalkeeping coach has been different class and I am delighted to be here."