Dougie Freedman believes Crystal Palace's appearance in the Carling Cup semi-final tonight against Cardiff City is proof there are exciting times ahead at Selhurst Park, writes Sam Ross.

The Eagles manager will not know his team until 5pm because of the mystery virus that has swept through the squad and could be forced to leave out some of his key players, including captain Paddy McCarthy.

However, the Scot is determined not to focus on the negatives but instead concentrate on the prospect of guiding the Eagles to their first trip to the new Wembley and only their second major cup final in their history.

"It means a hell of a lot to the fans who have been through so much over the last few years," said Freedman. "It shows how far we've come and how far we're going. It shows the direction we're heading and how hard we've worked.

"Things can always be worse and that's the challenge, we could be losing heading into the second leg with these problems.

"It's a great occasion for the club in the position we're in. I'm trying to focus as much as I can to get this team to Wembley."

Freedman is looking forward to coming up against his Scottish pal Malky Mackay and is once again happy for his side to be the underdogs but feels his experience in numerous league play-offs will play to his advantage.

"The expectations down there at Cardiff are huge. They've got to get promotion to be successful.

"I know Malky very well and he's built up a very good squad.

“They have two players in Kenny Miller and Peter Whittingham who I feel should be in the Premier League.

"I feel being at home gives us the opportunity to be calm. In the second leg the pressure will build up.

"There's no need to open up in the first leg. I've got a bit of experience from playing in the play-offs, most ties get decided in last 25 minutes."

While most of the attention will be on the young players, who have shone in the Carling Cup this year, Freedman is more concerned with honouring the commitment of players who played for the club under such difficult circumstances during administration two years ago.

"Some of these guys have stuck with us and worked so hard," he added.

"The likes of Darren Ambrose and Julian Speroni were not even being paid during administration and I want to help them."