PALACE defenders Danny Butterfield and Danny Granville have come in for special praise from boss Peter Taylor after helping the Eagles to an unbeaten start to the new season.

The pair have featured in all three games so far after both of them saw their appearances severely restricted by injury throughout last season.

Both players have had a full pre-season programme behind them this summer and have performed well in the full-back roles they have been selected in so far.

Butterfield was voted as the fans' man-of-the-match against Leeds United on Sunday after shackling a tricky opponent in USA international Eddie Lewis while Granville was equally effective on the left by providing support in attack and a steady influence in defence.

Taylor told the club's official website: "I think Danny Butterfield and Danny Granville have done really well and are players who have both been out for a long time.

"They didn't play much last year and they've just had to play three matches in eight days.

"It's the start of the season but they're working incredibly hard and getting better and better with each game.

"Their use of the ball against Leeds was perhaps one of the reasons we kept a clean sheet because we are defending less because we aren't giving the ball away in bad areas."

Palace have a tough trip to the Midlands on Saturday to face Birmingham City.

The Blues were relegated from the Premiership last year but with Steve Bruce still at the helm, they have won seven points from a possible nine.