DOUGIE Freedman admits last night’s 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers was a fair result but one which ultimately ended Crystal Palace’s play-off push for the season.

The Eagles boss has conceded over the last two months his Palace side don’t quite have enough quality to challenge for the top six and honestly can’t say when that will be in the future.

Freedman said: “We are not strong enough, we've not got enough quality in depth.

“We are a growing club with growing young players that will be ready one day but I can’t quite put my finger on when.

“I know it sounds like a manager’s get out by saying we’re not ready but I said months ago we’re not.

“We’re a fantastic team with a good spirit that is getting better and the young players will only get better next year.”

Jermaine Easter netted his first goal in 2012 to put the Eagles ahead in the second half with a simple tap in from two yards after good work from Wilfried Zaha down the left.

But Chris Brown reacted first to a loose ball in the six-yard box to smash home for Donny 14 minutes from time and ensure Palace recorded their eighth draw in 12 games.

Despite Easter scoring, Freedman is all too aware he needs to bolster his attack if the Eagles are to challenge for promotion next season.

He said: “If we can add to the squad in certain areas then I believe we will be a lot stronger.

“We’ve had 15 draws this year and a lot of clean sheets, so it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you where we need to improve.

“Hopefully in the summer we will do that, then we will be ready for the play-offs.”

Palace had to reshuffle their back four on two occasions.

Paul McShane went off with a hamstring problem inside the opening minutes only for his replacement, Anthony Gardner, to follow the Irishman down the tunnel 15 minutes later with a torn hamstring.

Dean Moxey had to slot in at centre back, while Nathaniel Clyne was pushed to left back and Sean O'Keefe played right back, but Freedman was more than delighted with his makeshift defence, especially the versatility of Moxey.

The boss added: “Dean did very well.

“It’s not his natural position but he kept at it for the full 90 minutes.

“The first time I saw Dean he was playing centre half at Exeter, so he has played that role before.

“He has also played left midfield for us as well so he is very versatile and that shows what a good signing he has been.”

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