Freedman: Murray proved doubters wrong with Cardiff hat-trick

After going into the interval at 2-0 down, the 28-year-old struck two penalties and bundled home a close-range effort as Palace staged a superb second-half comeback in south London.

The former Brighton man hit just seven goals in his first season at Palace last year, but he has five already this season after today’s triple.

Palace boss Freedman has been impressed by how he’s turned things around.

“People take time to adapt,” he said.

“I’ve always believed in Glenn Murray, I know he’s a top striker and I don’t need to hear anyone to tell me he’s not.

“Unfortunately he had his doubters last year. I just can’t see that, he’s a top striker in the Championship.

“His performance today, not only on the ball but off the ball, was second to none.

“I felt that he deserved his hat-trick because the amount of effort he’s putting into his game these days, on and off the field, tells me that he’s improved as a player.

“Murray epitomises what we’re about right now.”