September 18 2008

Nick Carle

Crystal Palace midfielder NICK CARLE has hailed Ben Watson's return to the team as "brilliant".

Watson was axed by Eagles manager Neil Warnock after refusing to sign a new contract, but a move from Selhurst Park failed to materialise before the transfer window shut.

With Tom Soares' departure to Stoke City, Watson was recalled to the starting line-up against Swansea on Saturday and he impressed fans by scoring in the 2-0 win with CARLE netting the other.

CARLE said: "Ben is absolutely brilliant - obviously we were disappointed to see Tom Soares go because he is a great player and I wish him all the best at Stoke.

“But since Ben has come back in, he has been brilliant. He is a great player - and for me he is the best set-piece taker in the Championship by far. He causes a threat every time he takes one.

"He brings so much to the team and it’s great to have him back and playing well."