Freedman not relishing cup distraction

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Dougie Freedman has admitted he would rather Crystal Palace had avoided Cardiff City in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

The Championship rivals will square off in the first of a two-legged last-four showdown at Selhurst Park on Tuesday 10 January before the deciding fixture in Wales 14 days later.

The Eagles earned the right to reach the semi-finals after stunning four-time winners of the competition Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford and Freedman was hoping for another glamour clash against either Manchester City or Liverpool.

The draw means a Championship team will be in the final of the Carling Cup for the first time in 11 years and those looking at the Carling Cup betting should remember this.

Palace have already lost to the Bluebirds this season – a 2-0 defeat in November, and the football odds show things will be tough.

Freedman said: “It is going to be difficult because we’ve played against Cardiff and got beaten. I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing them a few times and they are a very good side.

“It’s probably the hardest draw, to be honest. They are up at the top of the Championship and it is going to be very difficult for us.”

Former Palace striker Freedman took over on a permanent basis at Selhurst Park in January this year, having been promoted from the coaching staff, and scored 108 goals in 368 appearances in two spells at the club.

He said he was delighted for his players but reiterated the immediate priority was to avoid another season of flirting with relegation in the Championship and the football odds show they are in danger of slipping down the table.

He added: “I am just proud of the lads, to get through to the semi-finals from where we have come from in the last couple of years – relegation zones and administration. We will approach that when it comes along.”