GLENN MURRAY says he would love the chance to play in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, but insists he is not thinking any further than the double-header with Brighton.
The former Seagulls striker has enjoyed the best season of his career in SE25, scoring his 30th league goal of the season in the 3-2 victory against Peterborough on Saturday that clinched the Eagles a play-off spot and two dates with their fierce rivals.
But while a Wembley showdown for a place in the Premier League is on offer for the winner, Murray is not allowing himself to think any further ahead than the semi-finals.
He said: "Obviously, it would mean a lot to me to play in the Premier League as I have never had the chance to play at that level.
"But we have got to keep our focus, as that is a long way off. We have two very difficult games to start with before we can even think about Wembley or anything else."
The 29-year-old says it will be tough for the Eagles against his former team-mates, who he admits go into the play-offs in good form following a nine-match unbeaten run, which started with their 3-0 victory against the Eagles at the Amex Stadium in March.
He said: "We have been pretty even as the season has gone on," he said. "You could argue that because they finished above us, Brighton have the upper hand, but I think we have been much of a muchness."
And the striker, who finished as the league's top scorer, said that Palace can take confidence into the games from the manner of the final day victory against the Posh. "It was a topsy-turvy game and I think it was excellent for the neutrals to watch, even if wasn't for us," he said.
"We would rather be going into the play-offs with a bit more form, but we have guys who have play-off experience. They're a bit more relaxed about it as they have been there and done it."
Murray himself has been through a successful play-off campaign with Carlisle United in the Conference in 2005, but he is hopeful of adding the gloss to what he says has been a fantastic season.
"We started off being touted as potential relegation candidates and then we lost the first three games, but the turnaround since then has been fantastic," he said.
"I've enjoyed it and it's already a fantastic achievement to get to the play-offs – now we want to go and win them."
