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.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.Warnock said: "You can't ask for any more than that really."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."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."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."But they'll take some stopping, will Swansea."The Welsh play-off contenders simply outclassed their south London hosts.Kuqi took full advantage of a defensive mistake to slide home past Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni after Andrea Orlandi's nod down.Orlandi should have doubled the advantage soon after the break but forced a fantastic save from the busy Speroni.A desperate late rally from the Eagles almost paid off.Substitute Kieran Djilali fired just over the bar before Darren Ambrose drove his venomous volley wide of the mark.Swansea manager Paulo Sousa said: "It was important to win here against a difficult opponent."We are more mature, we are suffering pressure better and are more consistent."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."Sousa was delighted with Kuqi on his first full start.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."Warnock, who released Kuqi last summer, warned Sousa that the Finnish international's form may only be temporary.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."I never had a problem with Shefki. It wasn't his fault that somebody paid stupid money for him."Warnock was critical of Sousa for his comments in the build-up to the game regarding Palace's administration.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."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."Anybody can spout off when you're fourth in the league, I didn't hear him spouting off at QPR."There's a time and a place for manager to say something and that's not in the press."

Source: Team_Talk