Dougie Freedman backs his game plan

Life may seem a bit grim at relegation-threatened Crystal Palace these days, even more so after their drab goalless draw at home to Bristol City.

But new boss Dougie Freedman makes no apologies for his intention to start the club's survival bid by organising a tight defence.

They have now kept five clean sheets in a row at Selhurst Park and, though not pretty, Freedman is determined to build from the back.

Freedman could do worse than snap up QPR's former club captain Martin Rowlands on loan for the rest of the season. Although Rowlands insists he has a future at Loftus Road - despite Neil Warnock's reluctance to use him - he would be happy to help Palace out and gain some playing time.

Palace missed out on Hereford's French striker Mathieu Manset but still have hopes of bringing James Vaughan back from Everton.