Crystal Palace new boy Paul Dickov has revealed his admiration for Sven-Goran Eriksson - even though the Swede told him he had no future at Manchester City.

A last-minute transfer deadline day deal saw the 34-year-old Scottish international move to Selhurst Park on a four-month loan deal.

The former Leicester City and Arsenal striker admits the writing was always on the wall for him at City after the former England coach's summer spending spree.

"My chances at City were restricted," admitted Dickov.

"I spoke to Sven and he told me as much as he liked having me around the place, he knows what I am like as a person and as a player and I need to be playing football.

"When you are signing players for then the manager is going to play them and I completely understand that.

"I have got a lot of time and respect for Sven for being honest with me."

After a season marred by injuries last year, Dickov has enjoyed a full pre-season campaign with City and believes Palace will reap the benefits of his strenuous summer.

"I had a full pre-season though I haven't played as many games as I would like to have," he said.

"I had a rubbish season last year in terms of injuries - it seemed to be one thing after another.

"I made sure I worked as hard as I could over the summer to get myself right and I think it has paid off."

A busy transfer deadline day also saw Shefki Kuqi and Lewis Grabban seal loan moves to Fulham and Motherwell respectively.