January 19 2015

Martin Kelly (Photo: Andy Roberts)

Crystal Palace defender MARTIN KELLY praised the team's character to come back from two goals down to beat Burnley.

The Clarets surged into a 2-0 lead inside the first 16 minutes at Turf Moor and it looked like there was no way back for Alan Pardew's side.

But goals from Dwight Gayle (2) and Jason Puncheon saw them stage a brilliant fightback to claim an important 3-2 away victory.

KELLY said: "If you look across the dressing room it is full of characters but we've got good players as well and it takes a good team with a good set of lads and good character to come back from 2-0 down.

"All the players dug in and when we went in at half-time we were the better side and it was all about the first goal after half-time and we got that early on.

"Once it was 2-2 it was full throttle for us and we felt we could go on and win the game

"As long as we can keep the back four solid, which every team aims for, we have to rely on our strikers and we've got great wingers who put the ball into the box so it will be vital for us this season.

"If you looked at Yaya for his debut he held the ball up brilliantly and Dwight and 'Punch' scored either side so it is brilliant."