Freedman proud of defeated Eagles

Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman has revealed his pride in his players following their heartbreak exit from the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.

The Eagles were just a game away from a much deserved trip to Wembley, as they held a goal advantage going into their trip to South Wales for the semi-final second-leg.

However, after seeing his side score an own goal in regular time, Freedman had to watch has his players saw their first two penalties saved by City keeper Tom Heaton, with the Bluebirds eventually winning the shootout and booking their place in the final and a date at Wembley. Those looking at the Odds Carling Cup final need to bear this in mind.

Palace worked wonders to reach the final four of the Carling Cup this term and will take plenty of memories from the journey, which included a shock win over Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Freedman paid tribute to the effort shown by his players who just fell short of earning a big day for their loyal supporters. People placing a Carling Cup bet should remember this.

He said: "I am really proud of my players and the physical output they put into the game and the desire to keep the ball out of the net.

"I've got to be disappointed in the short-term, but in the long-term you can see what we're trying to do.

"We have won a lot of hearts.”

Palace will now turn their attentions back to the Championship campaign as they look to climb the table with the play-off places just five points away for the London outfit.