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FORMER Crystal Palace winger John Salako is backing his old side to reach the play-off final despite Saturday's 2-1 first-leg defeat to Bristol City.

The Eagles travel to Ashton Gate this evening for what promises to be an electric encounter and know nothing short of victory will do.

Manager Neil Warnock has already warned Bristol City the outcome is far from decided after some over-exuberant celebrations from the visitors after the game at Selhurst Park and Salako has echoed his sentiments.

The Sky Sports pundit told News Shopper: "They've got a great chance because Crystal Palace's away form under Neil is very strong.

"Maybe Clinton Morrison can bang one in early on and then who knows how Bristol City will react.

"They played very well on Saturday, whereas we just didn't perform or play as a team.

"There are no away goals this year, so effectively what you will have tonight is a cup tie and Palace know they've got to give it everything.

"Every time Crystal Palace have had their backs against the wall since Neil took over, they've nearly always come good and there's no reason why they can't at Bristol."

Even if Palace do not make it through to a Wembley final, Salako is convinced the future looks bright at Selhurst Park.

He explained: "What Neil has done there is nothing short of a minor miracle in my opinion.

"In many ways he was in the right place at the right time when the job came up, but nobody could have predicted the impact he has made in such a short space of time.

"Neil has mixed youth with experience and it all bodes well.

"Expectation levels have undoubtedly risen with a visit to Wembley and the Premier League up for grabs and it would be a shame if we don't make it.

"Even so, it has still been a brilliant season and Palace can take plenty of positives from it."

9:33am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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