Dougie Freedman insists his struggling Crystal Palace side will not be dragged into an end of season relegation dogfight.

The Eagles are currently in the relegation zone, sitting third bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship table after a disastrous start to their season that has seen them pick up just 11 points from 13 games.

And the Selhurst Park club were thrown deeper into the relegation mire on Monday after their 2-0 home defeat to league leaders Watford - but Freedman insists the Eagles will not be in the same position come May.

"Somebody asked me about that the other day and I was shocked we were in it, said Freedman.

"I'm not one for looking at tables and panicking - but I really didn't think we were that low.

"But no way are we going to be involved in a relegation fight if we are true to ourselves.

"If you ask all the other members of the squad it's not even a thought.

"We will get a few results and players will come in and some will go.

He added: "There's too much quality in this squad."

And it is Warnock's ability to wheel and deal in the transfer market that could determine whether or not Palace become embroiled in an end of season relegation struggle.

But no matter who Warnock brings in, Freedman says there is more than enough ability in the squad to ensure Championship survival.

"I think there's good quality in the squad already - but different managers have different opinions and the manager is paid to make his opinion count.

"He needs to fit the players that he wants at the club into the way he wants to play.

"We are third bottom of the league so we are not playing well so he needs to put his ideas onto the pitch and I'm sure he will do that."