Former Crystal Palace manager Steve Kember has paid tribute to veteran Dougie Freedman ahead of his testimonial on Tuesday.

Kember will be one of a number of names from the Eagles past expected to make an appearance on the pitch at half time against Fulham, including Dean Gordon, George Ndah, Mark Bright, Jim Cannon, Alan Smith and Richard Shaw.

However, the game could also mark the end of the 34-year-old Scot's 10-year love affair with Selhurst Park after he didn't travel with the squad to their pre-season tour of Cornwall, with manager Neil Warnock saying talks on his future will wait until after the testimonial.

Kember is one of ten different managers Freedman has played under at Selhurst Park and was in charge when the striker scored his late wonder goal against Stockport in 2001 to keep Palace in Division One.

He said: "Dougie has always been the model professional. A gentleman as well as a very good player. He is one of those players who has a skill and understanding of the game where he can create a chance and take a chance.

"I hold him in the highest regard. He has been a great servant for Crystal Palace and he is a legend there now."

Kember, currently working as a scout for Fulham, added: "It will be a great night for him, the players and the fans and I hope they turn up in their droves. It's amazing how the old banter and the mickey-tacking in the dressing room comes out straight away."

However, Kember also believes that Dougie's days in a Palace shirt are numbered, despite the Scot desperately wanting to stay.

"I think he has shown in the last year or so that he doesn't want to go elsewhere and I think his heart is at the place too," he said. "You cannot be there for ten years and not feel an affiliation with the club.

"But I think if the manager has a way he wants to play and Dougie doesn't fit into that then he will have to make a decision and if Neil feels Dougie is not going to get a regular game then he may have to look elsewhere."