Margate manager Nikki Bull says Freddie Ladapo deserves huge credit for the way he has conducted himself over the past few months.

The forward's future has been the subject of intense speculation since the turn of the year with Barclays Premier League side Crystal Palace the latest, and by far biggest club to show an interest.

Ladapo spent four days training with the FA Cup semi-finalists last week and on Monday scored a hat-trick for their under-21s in a 5-0 win over Watford - a display described as "unreal" by his watching club manager.

The 23-year-old former Colchester and Kidderminster man has only scored once in his last 11 outings for Gate but while his strike rate might have dropped, his focus and commitment haven't, as boss Bull explained.

"Freddie's attitude has been excellent the whole time," he said. "When bigger clubs look at players like him the big question is always can they do it at the higher level with better players around them, and I think Freddie's display (against Watford) proved he could.

"His dream, like every player's, is to play in the Premier League but for now we need him to carry on giving his all for Margate and that's what he's been doing."

Palace manager Alan Pardew was at Leicester versus Newcastle the night Ladapo caught the eye against Watford, and it is likely he would want to see the player himself before making any decision.

That could mean Ladapo getting another chance to impress for the Eagles, maybe as soon as next week.

Gate turned down four bids for Ladapo in January - two from a Football League club and two more from a Vanarama Conference outfit - with the player himself choosing to stay at Hartsdown after a fee had been agreed with an un-named Conference club.