Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman has praised his latest recruit even though he has yet to kick a ball in anger.

Danny Gabbidon joined the Eagles on a free transfer last week but a lack of fitness has meant the 33-year-old is yet to get into the team.

The Welsh international left QPR in the summer and has signed a one-year contract.

Freedman said: "Danny came down to train with us and it was very refreshing to talk to him because he never talked about money or anything else, only how he wanted to have some more success in his career.

"His fitness is a little bit behind and the way I like to do things and the way I like to train means he just needs to be patient.

"But I believe if he keeps training the right way he will be in contention, maybe not for the next couple of games but soon."

He added: "I owe it to the team and to Danny to get him as fit as possible for the way I like the team to play.

"He is a good guy to have around the place, he has brought a sort of calmness around the dressing room and the experience of 10 or 12 years in the Premier League is invaluable."