Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman has nothing but admiration for the man he will come up against tonight - but admits he didn't like him when he first came on the scene.

The Eagles boss goes head-to-head with Sir Alex Ferguson as Palace compete against Manchester United for a spot in the Carling Cup semi-finals at Old Trafford.

Freedman was less than a month old when Ferguson took up his first managerial post at East Stirling in June 1974 but has been in awe of what his compatriot has done since then.

"You’ve got to look up to him because he is probably one of the best managers there has ever been and ever will be because of his achievements," he said.

"He’s done fantastically well and it will be an honour to pit my wits against him and I’m really looking forward to it.

"But while everyone remembers him for his time at Manchester United, my memories are of when he was manager of Scotland and Aberdeen when I didn’t really like him, being a Glasgow Rangers fan.

"But I met him when I first took the job at Palace and it was good.

"His words were that he would help in any way which is fantastic.

"I’ve not taken him up on that yet but I think that is what Sir Alex does best - he will not only do his job but try and help others as well.

"I haven’t had any need to call him because we are doing OK and obviously I won’t be buying anyone from Manchester United and he hasn’t bought anyone from me yet.

"It is probably only in the loan market that we would have that conversation.

"But I’ve got a number two in Lennie Lawrence who speaks to Sir Alex quite often and the message will usually go back and forward that way."

Freedman is one of many Scottish managers currently involved in the English game with six alone in the Premiership and he is looking forward to pitting his wits against a fellow countryman.

"We’re very fortunate right now - being Scottish is a good thing," he said.

"During my time in England it sometimes went against you but those were the early days.

"With so many mangers in the Premiership now who I actually know because I’ve played against them, played with them or they’ve managed me, that advice is always there if you need it.

"That was good to call on and I have done, with Sir Alex I didn’t need it at the time so I’ve never really gone down that road with him but hopefully tonight we will enjoy ourselves and I’ll come away from it being a better manager."