Source: Team_Talk
Warnock praise for battling Palace
Warnock, who tasted defeat for only the second time in 11 games, heaped praise on his makeshift backline after a series of injuries disrupted his plans.[LNB]Former Palace striker Shefki Kuqi scored the only goal of the game 14 minutes into his first start for the Swans in Tuesday night's Championship clash at Selhurst Park.[LNB]Warnock said: "You can't ask for any more than that really.[LNB]"I'm disappointed with the goal. They are already one of the best sides in the division, so to give them a goal gave them a lift. I was glad to get to half-time.[LNB]"But I thought we were super in the second half. I'm delighted with the effort we put in and you can't ask for any more from them.[LNB]"We lost two centre-halves [Claude Davis and Matt Lawrence] this morning. Johnny Ertl has not trained for two weeks and he ends up playing 90 minutes.[LNB]"But they'll take some stopping, will Swansea."[LNB]The Welsh play-off contenders simply outclassed their south London hosts.[LNB]Kuqi took full advantage of a defensive mistake to slide home past Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni after Andrea Orlandi's nod down.[LNB]Orlandi should have doubled the advantage soon after the break but forced a fantastic save from the busy Speroni.[LNB]A desperate late rally from the Eagles almost paid off.[LNB]Substitute Kieran Djilali fired just over the bar before Darren Ambrose drove his venomous volley wide of the mark.[LNB]Swansea manager Paulo Sousa said: "It was important to win here against a difficult opponent.[LNB]"We are more mature, we are suffering pressure better and are more consistent.[LNB]"To win games, sometimes you need to be always strong and focused 100% on doing the right things, and that's what we've done here."[LNB]Sousa was delighted with Kuqi on his first full start.[LNB]He said: "I'm very happy. I wanted to bring him in at the start of the season, then tried a month before he arrived. He is someone who can come in and help us with different football and different characteristics."[LNB]Warnock, who released Kuqi last summer, warned Sousa that the Finnish international's form may only be temporary.[LNB]He said: "He always starts well at a club, so I'm sure he'll do well for a few months. We'll have to see.[LNB]"I never had a problem with Shefki. It wasn't his fault that somebody paid stupid money for him."[LNB]Warnock was critical of Sousa for his comments in the build-up to the game regarding Palace's administration.[LNB]He said: "Paulo is a good manager, but he has a lot to learn. He should keep his mouth shut when he doesn't understand the circumstances."[LNB]Sousa insists he was misquoted over his apparent claim that Palace should be relegated for entering administration, and insists he has a "deep respect" for the club, but Warnock fumed: "But it's already done. You write the story and then say sorry after.[LNB]"Anybody can spout off when you're fourth in the league, I didn't hear him spouting off at QPR.[LNB]"There's a time and a place for manager to say something and that's not in the press."[LNB][LNB]
