February 5 2008

James Scowcroft

James Scowcroft admits he's delighted to accept a new one-year deal with Crystal Palace.

The striker took advantage of a clause in his contract which triggered an extra year when he reached 25 appearances for the season.

That kicked in last month, and after netting his eighth goal of the campaign in the 1-1 draw against Southampton on Saturday, the former Coventry man is in good spirits.

"It gives me that bit of security and I'm very happy at the club," said the 32-year-old.

Scowcroft fired Palace in front in the 73rd minute but Stern John equalised for the Saints 11 minutes after as Palace drop to seventh in the table.

"We are disappointed because it felt like we lost two points," said Scowcroft. "I think we deserved all three as we hit the post twice and a second goal would have killed the game off.

"There's a third of the season left to go and it's up to us to hang in there, then who knows what might happen. We are not a soft touch anymore and don't get beat cheaply."