The spotlight may be on Dougie Freedman as he approaches his 100th goal for Crystal Palace, but Clinton Morrison is also backing himself to reach the magic ton before the league campaign is over.

"It would be nice for Dougie. He has two more to go. I have said to him to hurry up because I will catch him sooner or later. I am not that far behind him. I hope he gets it against Southampton.

"I'm on 79 goals at the moment and I think I could reach 100 this season if I carry on the way I am going."

With seven league goals in just 10 games since joining from Birmingham City, the Republic of Ireland international currently has the required ratio to achieve his target by netting against Southampton when they come to Selhurst Park next April in the last home game of the season.

But as good as Morrison's scoring record is, the affable south Londoner believes he can do better.

"I'm doing well at the moment, but my scoring record should probably be 8 in 10."

Referring to the sitter he missed against Crewe at the weekend, which would have sealed all three points for Palace, Morrison was quick to accept responsibility.

"I apologised to the lads. The ball came across and I was just about to tap it in and the defender challenged me. I didn't think I got the last touch, but I still should have put the ball in the net. If you look at the other chances we had in the first half with missed headers, it is our own fault that we haven't won the game.

"I don't think the manager was really annoyed with the miss. He was more annoyed with the way we defended for the last goal. But I won't let it affect me."

With Andrew Johnson due to return from injury for the home fixture against Sheffield United this Saturday, Morrison fears the temporary break-up of his pairing with Freedman.

"The partnership is going well. But there is a man called Andy Johnson who is waiting in the wings to come back."

"It would be hard for him to dislodge us, but they gave him a big contract and there were a few big Premiership clubs after him. He would be knocking on the gaffer's door if he doesn't get back in the team."