Palace duo unhappy on bench

Freedman and Kuqi vying for starting berth

By Robin Hackett   Last updated: 30th August 2007

DougieFreedman

Freedman: 'Expects' starting role

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Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman has told boss Peter Taylor that he 'expects' to be back in the starting line-up.

Palace won their opening game 4-1 at Southampton, but then lost to Bristol Rovers on penalties in the Carling Cup before drawing with Leicester and then losing to Ipswich.

And Freedman believes that his current super-sub role is a waste of his talents.

"I expect to play," he told the Croydon Advertiser. "I train hard and keep myself fit. I showed that in the League Cup game against Bristol Rovers when I scored, played 120 minutes and still felt strong and fit and created a few chances.

"It's a little upsetting for myself if people see me being used off the bench because I'm a creator - a maker and taker of goals - and there's somewhere in the team we need that.

"If we're winning every game, I'm more than happy to wait my turn, but the last couple of games have been disappointing with the chances created and not taken."

Kuqi unhappy

Fellow striker Shefki Kuqi is also reluctant to accept his current role on the bench - and wants the Palace fans to get off his back.

Kuqi has struggled for form since making his £2.5m switch from Blackburn last season, and has found himself among the substitutes at Selhurst Park.

"If I was happy to stay on the bench then I would be in the Premiership, not the Championship," he told the Croydon Advertiser.

"I don't care what anyone says, my goal-scoring record is as good as anyone's. I got 20 goals for Ipswich when I was playing week in, week out, and the same happened when I was in Finland.

"I'm not saying I want to leave. I'm happy here. I've settled down off the pitch, so all I need to do is get things right on the pitch."

Fan criticism

Kuqi came off the bench during the 1-0 defeat at Ipswich and was given a warm reception by the home fans - but is mystified by the lack of support from the Palace fans.

"I had a great relationship with the fans here at Ipswich, but sometimes some of the Palace fans were a little harsh, not just on me.

"The fans are meant to support you. When things are going well, you don't need support, but you have to remember when things are not going so well for you, then you need someone there to cheer you up and support you.

"But I don't let it bother me too much."