Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly has warned his teammates of the threat that Southampton pose ahead of their Boxing Day clash at Selhurst Park.

The Saints had lost their previous five matches in all competitions before they eased past Everton 3-0 in the Premier League last weekend.

With Ronald Koeman's side just two points adrift of the Champions League places, Kelly believes that they will give Palace a tough time in South London.

"Before their victory against Everton they would have had their confidence knocked a little bit with some disappointing results, but from our point of view we need to make it about what we do and make sure Selhurst Park is a difficult place for them to come to," he told the club's official website.

"After the changes they went through in the summer the new players seem to have come in and done well and their league position shows the quality of the squad they have down there."

Kelly has made 15 appearances in all competitions for Palace so far this season.