October 14 2001

Crystal Palace

Eagles boss Steve Bruce was delighted with his side's fifth consecutive league win and singled out JOVAN KIROVSKI for special praise.

The victorious manager said: "Long may it continue. We know how fickle football is, but we've got a real cutting edge and we're playing with confidence.

"Morrison and Freedman have linked well all season for me and are terrific together up front.

"We looked well equipped in all areas but I'm still looking to strengthen my squad."

KIROVSKI was superb, scoring one goal and set up the other three.

Bruce added: "KIROVSKI is a terrific player, and a massive addition to the squad. If there is a better free transfer around I'm yet to see him.

"He has plenty of ability, he is an excellent player and he holds the ball up well.

"I knew him as a kid at Manchester United where he played with the likes of David Beckham, and he was the outstanding player.

"But he couldn't get a work permit and drifted into Germany and then Portugal.

"He is a wonderful talent and he has been at big clubs, but only on the fringes. He has now joined us and shown me his commitment by working hard. I will certainly play him week in, week out."

Dons boss Terry Burton was clearly disappointed with his side's performance.

He said: "I've got to take it on the chin. Goals change games and if Shipperley's chance had gone in it would have been a different matter, but they've gone in 2-0 up at the break and we've had to chase the game.

"All credit to them for some great finishing. Of course we produced one of our own in the wrong end, which was disappointing.

"I felt they weren't creating dangerous chances until the first goal, which came from nowhere.

"We've got a strong squad but we've got several out injured and things would have been different if they were here."