June 15 2008

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace new boy Paddy McCarthy admits he can't wait to work with manager Neil Warnock.

Centre-back McCarthy sealed a £500,000 move from Charlton last week, inking a three-year contract with the Selhurst Park club.

The Irishman is a straight swap for Mark Hudson who went the other way and the former Leicester City skipper is excited about a new challenge with the Eagles.

"When I spoke to Neil Warnock he just came across as a man I think I’ll have a great relationship with," said McCarthy. "He will maybe appreciate me as a player a little bit more.

"He’s said he knows full well what he’s getting from me and what I’ll bring to Crystal Palace. That’s filled me full of confidence."

McCarthy was only with the Addicks for a season - playing 33 times - after coming down from Leicester last summer and feels boss Alan Pardew didn't give him a chance.

He said: "I was never really given the opportunity. I started the first game and then found myself out of the team, which was tough.

"The January transfer window probably would’ve seen me move on but I never let my head drop and had confidence I had enough to get back into the team.

"Fortunately for me an injury and suspension saw me get my chance just before Christmas. I was happy with my own performances and established myself in the last 30 games."