Neil Shipperley is still pinching himself that Palace are in the play-off final, especially when you consider they were, potentially, facing a relegation dogfight earlier in the season. But now Shipperley is hoping that he can fulfill his dream of playing in the Premiership before he finishes his career. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with the striker and Palace captain ahead of the play-off final against West Ham.
Q:
FULLY RECOVERED FROM THE SUNDERLAND GAMES NOW?
A:
It took a while for it to sink in what we had achieved but I love the thought of the play-off final and I'm already dreaming about it. The way we scored the goal at that time against Sunderland - well you just could not have planned it better. I have reflected on what we have done and it's a massive achievement.
Q:
DID YOU MIND WHO YOU PLAYED IN THE FINAL?
A:
No, not really. After the way the last four months have gone we fancy ourselves against anyone in a one-off situation. We know West Ham are a formidable side and probably have the best squad in the division but we have something going for us too. We have a togetherness that makes us as strong as any side.
Q:
MUCH OF WHICH HAS BEEN DOWN TO IAIN DOWIE?
A:
Yes. You could tell what Iain was about from the first day. He asked us if we wanted to play Manchester United and Arsenal next season - and we were 15th in the league at the time. But the lads responded to that and we have not really looked back since.
Q:
SO WHAT HAS HE DONE TO BRING ABOUT SUCH A DRAMATIC CHANGE?
A:
I think we all felt we were a good side but not in our wildest drams did we think we were capable of what we have achieved. We thought we were better than our position in the table. What the manager and his assistant John Harbin have done is give us belief. It's not like the manager has brought in five or six players, he's done it with the same players. Quite simply, he's just got the best out of us.
Q:
YOU ARE A STRIKER AND CAPTAIN - IS IT DIFFICULT?
A:
Not that difficult really. I was captain at Wimbledon and then an opportunity came up here at Palace and I took it with open arms. Alan Shearer is a captain so it maybe a little unusual but more common than what you think. I am a talker and I can see it from a different perspective compared to a defender. I relish the extra responsibility.
Q:
YOU ARE FOLLOWING IN YOUR DAD'S FOOTSTEPS AS A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER?
A:
Yes, my dad and me played football all the time and he was a big part of my life. He has been to the last two play-off finals so I am sure he will be coming to this one.
Q:
HOW BIG A GAME IS THIS TO YOU, AT THIS STAGE OF YOUR CAREER?
A:
I look at the young lads in our squad and they have no idea how I am feeling at my age. I can't wait for the game. This would be the biggest achievement for me, especially when we came from such a long way back to get here.
