PALACE boss Neil Warnock praised his players for earning a hard-fought win over Middesbrough days after a battling draw with local rivals QPR.

Speaking after the 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Boro at Selhurst Park, he said: “They had a week off, while we had QPR on Tuesday.

“Anybody who saw that game knows it was played at 100 mph.

“To give everything like they have after QPR, it’s a credit to them.

“I know its only one win in six, but we’ve done well over the last 10 games.

“We’ve had some difficult games, really.

“They are probably one of the best away sides in the division.

“At half-time, I felt seven or eight of the Boro lads were 20 percent below at least.

“I didn’t think they could do much better, so I thought it were up to us to step up and give them a game.

“In the second half I was delighted, I thought we played much better.

“It was a bit hairy, but you’re going to get that.

“That’s when your character comes in and you put your body on the line and you tackle and the goalie pulls off another save.”

Warnock said there were no individual stars of the show and that all 11 players were outstanding.

However, he did praise individual performances, including goalkeeper Julian Speroni, who pulled off a number of superb saves.

He said: “That’s just an average game for him now.”

He also spoke of his delight at seeing the chance that led to Palace’s goal fall to in-form hitman Darren Ambrose.

He said: “I was so pleased it fell to him. I looked up and I thought ‘oh good it’s him’.”

Warnock added: “I thought Alan Lee was a handful all afternoon.

“Freddie Sears probably had his best game for a while.

“Claude Davis was excellent. We needed his pace and strength today.

“Jose Fonte, you know that’s as good a defensive display as I’ve seen from him today.

“He knew Marcus Bent would give him a handful and he stood his quarter.

“I was pleased with Danny Butterfield as well. He could have gone under after 20 minutes but he stuck at his job well.

“And what can you say about Clint Hill at his age.”