August 16 2007

Leon Cort

Leon Cort insists Crystal Palace will confound the critics who expect them to struggle.

Palace may have had a winning start to the new season, but they are widely tipped to finish midtable in the Championship.

Defender Cort, 27, reckons the Eagles' tag as promotion underdogs will only spur them on to success.

"Of course, it will only work in our favour," he said. "It means no one is looking at us and we can sneak in the back door.

"There's no reason why we can't get into the play-offs because we have the squad to do it."

Cort's towering displays in defence and seven goals earned him Palace's Player of the Year last term. And the former Hull City star's aim is to get into double figures this season.

"I want to get at least 10 goals," he said. "I know I can get that with the delivery of the players we have got here. That is my aim."