January 23 2008

Lewis Grabban

LEWIS GRABBAN admits he joined Millwall because he couldn't turn down the chance of regular first-team football.

The Academy graduate, 20, joined Palace's arch rivals for £150,000 this week with the fee rising depending on appearances.

After signing a three-and-a-half year contract the winger-cum-striker says he's excited about a fresh challenge with Kenny Jackett's side.

"Maybe I am a bit impatient - but I just want to be playing week in and week out," said GRABBAN. "I just hope to bring some pace, some direct play towards goal, a high work ethic and aggression - which Millwall is all about.

"Kenny is a nice guy and seems to have my welfare at heart - hopefully I can repay him. I haven't set myself a goal target for the season - I just want to score as many as I can.

"I'm at the age where I need to further my career - my six-game loan at Motherwell took me away from home and made me stronger mentally."

Eagles manager Neil Warnock didn't want GRABBAN to leave but admitted he couldn't stand in his way once his mind was made up.

"He's daft because I think he could have got in our team but there's no way I would ever hold onto anyone who doesn't want to be here," said Warnock.

"We spoke to his agent George Ndah last week and he made it clear the lad wanted to go and play first-team football.

"But he's been involved this season coming off the bench and Clinton Morrison and Sean Scannell are going to get injuries. The decision's his but it just seems silly to me."

GRABBAN had loan spells with Oldham and Motherwell, making just 13 sub appearances for Palace.