DOUGIE Freedman has hinted he may be looking to extend on-loan striker Chris Martin’s stay at Selhurst Park from Norwich.

The 23-year-old is due to return to Carrow Road on February 4 but after netting the opener in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds, Freedman could look to extend the loan deal until the end of the season.

“It was a fantastic goal and fantastic work-rate,” the Eagles boss said.

“He showed he wants to be part of the team and it is very pleasing as a coach to see people buying in to what you try to believe in and Chris Martin certainly did today.

“There are a few different reasons why we’ve got him for another month and after that month I think it is only fair that I speak to Chris Martin before I reveal what I want to do.

“But of course with the performances he’s shown, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that I would try to keep him here but that is a conversation I will have with him at the end of the month and I think I owe him that respect to talk to him face-to-face.”

Martin was also unsure of his long-term future and is just concentrating on the job in hand - getting as many games as possible under his belt and helping the Eagles climb the table.

He explained: “I wasn’t obviously getting a look in at the time at Norwich and I felt it was time to go out and get some games.

“Luckily the gaffer here showed some faith in me to get me on loan and play me, so I’m thankful for that.

“It’s a lot different to what I’ve been used to at Norwich.

“Every manager’s philosophy is a lot different so just playing time helps and hopefully I’m settling in a bit more.”

Martin added: “I’m happy with how it’s going at the moment and hopefully we can kick on in the league as well and keep pushing for promotion.

“I’ve not really thought about it permanently at the moment, as that’s not something that’s an option yet.

“I’m just looking to do the best in the time I’m here and then go from there.

“At the minute I’m just looking at it purely as a loan deal.

“I’m first and foremost here to help Palace out and see if we can push and be as high up in the league as possible and obviously push myself on and hopefully I can go back to Norwich where I’m contracted and push on from there.”

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