CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew has praised the impact made by opposite number Neil Warnock at Crystal Palace ahead of Friday's derby clash at The Valley.

Warnock has transformed the Eagles from relegation candidates to play-off rivals in three months and the Addicks chief has been impressed by what the former Sheffield United manager has achieved so far.

He said: "I know Neil well and he has done a terrific job.

"With more or less the same set of players, he has made a massive turnaround.

"Palace carry Neil's characteristics as a team. They are tough, hard working, direct, make it very difficult for the opposition and know how to win.

"We are going to have to overcome those characteristics on what will be a fantastic night in terms of a little bit of spice for a local derby with both of us in similar positions."

Eagles chairman Simon Jordan makes his first return to SE7 since his side were relegated on the final day of the season in May 2005 and the controversial switch of Iain Dowie to the Addicks 12 months later.

Jordan is guaranteed a hostile reception, but Warnock says his side will enjoy the hothouse atmosphere at Floyd Road and believes his young players such as Sean Scannell can thrive in the derby clash.

He explained: "It will be great for them and I just think it is really noisy and a fabulous place to go and bring my team.

"I always like going to The Valley and think it is a great atmosphere.

"Last year everybody wrote Sheffield United off when we went there and I enjoyed it. The crowd was excited and they got a singer in before to pump them up and it was great. I'm looking forward to it.

"I like Alan and think he is a super bloke and we will have a drink afterwards."

Who do you think will win Friday's derby at The Valley? Will the home fans be singing Valley Floyd Road at the end or will it be the Palace supporters who return home Glad All Over? Have your say below on our message board.