Gavin Mahon hopes his experience can be the defining factor in keeping Crystal Palace in the Championship.

The holding midfielder joined on loan for the rest of the season from Queen's Park Rangers last Thursday as manager Dougie Freedman brought in cover for the injured Alex Marrow.

Despite injury having prevented 34-year-old Mahon, who George Burley also expressed an interest in when Eagles manager, from playing a first-team game in almost 16 months, he is confident he can have an impact in the final eight matches of the season.

"There is a difficult period coming up which is a challenge for me, for Dougie and for all the players and we are all ready for it," said Mahon.

"Dougie knows what he is going to get with me, an experienced professional and an experienced footballer around the ground and the training ground.

"At this time of the season you just need a bit of guile and an old head around the place to calm it down in games when you are winning one nil and need to shut up shop.

"You need little things like that, a bit of experience in knowing how to kill games off, and I think that is what I can bring to the team.

"The last 12 months have been frustrating for me with on and off little niggles.

"But now I am back training fully I am just looking forward to the games coming up.

"It is the important part of the season, the business end, so let's bring it on."