Carle salutes Selhurst spirit

9:20am Tuesday 26th August 2008

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NICK Carle believes Crystal Palace's 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday can help bring the Eagles together.

James Scowcroft and captain Shaun Derry were both sent off early in the second half at Selhurst Park, but Carle was pleased the team stuck together to earn a point.

He said: "I think it ended up a great result for us. Sometimes it takes something like that to bring a team together and I thought we showed a lot of fighting spirit.

"To have two players sent off five minutes into the second half, you know it's going to be tough. It changed the game completely.

"The boys were absolutely brilliant. They all stepped up and worked their backsides off for the team.

"If you're not a team, you're not going to go anywhere. I really think we took a big step forward today.

"We still had lots of leaders out on the park, especially the boys at the back who I thought were brilliant, making sure we were all in the right positions."

The Eagles are yet to find the net after three league games this season, but Carle believes the goals will come.

He said "I thought first half we didn't do too bad. They came here more to defend. It's something we're going to have to work hard at, but as soon as that first one comes, they'll keep coming."

Tom Soares joined Carle in supporting Scowcroft up front.

Carle said: "I think Tom did brilliantly and was unlucky not to get a penalty. That really does suit his style of game."

The Australian is still upbeat despite Palace's disappointing start to the season.

He said: "There have been patches where we've shown we can really play. We've got really good talent in the changing room.

"There are some brilliant young players as well as experienced players.

"It's a matter of gelling and today brought everyone together."