Crystal Palace defender Mark Hudson has not spoken to new boss Neil Warnock about a new contract - but is determined to prove he is worthy of a fresh deal.

Hudson, who became an ever-present under former boss Peter Taylor, is out of contract at the end of the season and it is understood that he was on the verge of agreeing a new deal before the former England U21 manager's sacking.

But with Taylor's departure and Warnock's arrival, Hudson's future at the club is no longer so crystal clear.

As things stand, if Hudson has not signed a new deal before the January 1, 2008, he could enter into pre-contract negotiations with another club with a view to leaving the club on a free transfer.

But Hudson has reaffirmed his desire to remain at Palace and is determined to earn himself a new Eagles contract.

Hudson told the Croydon Guardian: "There wasn't a contract on the table as such, it was all just talk at the time.

"I spoke to the chairman at his party and said that we needed to chat about it.

"Whenever that time comes we will discuss it then - but I'm just focused on what's happening on the field at the moment.

"I've got to prove to the manager that I'm worthy of a new contract - I just have to keep on playing and I'm sure things will sort themselves out.

"I've not even spoken to the manager about the situation - I don't want to put any more pressure on myself - I just want to concentrate on playing well and keeping my place.

He added: "But it will have to come to a head at some time."

And if Hudson is to earn himself an extended Eagles stay he knows he will have to work twice as hard in training.

Warnock is known for his highly charged training sessions - something that has not gone unnoticed by the 25-year-old defender.

He said: "If we train hard then we will play hard so that can only help us on the pitch.

"It's well documented that the manager likes to have intense training sessions.

"It was a little bit more relaxed when Peter Taylor was in charge - but different manager's have different styles.

"We've all got to train and play well to stay in the manager's plans."