Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew praises team's character

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has praised his team's character following their 2-1 victory against Stoke City.

The Eagles boss singled out his "old stalwarts" Glenn Murray and Julian Speroni for plaudits after this afternoon's game at the Britannia Stadium.

"I haven't managed many teams with character as high on the agenda as this team," he told BBC Sport.

"I was pleased with two of our old stalwarts - Glenn Murray and Julian Speroni.

"We're within touching distance of safety. The form we're in suggests we can do a lot better and that's what we want."

The result leaves Palace in 11th place in the Premier League table, while Stoke remain above them in ninth.