Neil Shipperley has told Crystal Palace's players to grab the chance to be play-off heroes.

Shipperley scored the winning goal in the play-off final against West Ham in 2004, the last time the Eagles went up through the end of season lottery having missed out in the semi-finals in 2006 and 2008.

This weekend, they face arch rivals Brighton in a two-legged semi-final in a bid to reach Wembley and Shipperley has advised them not to let the opportunity pass them by.

"The winner is going to be whoever wants it more," he said.

"They cannot let it pass them by.

"These opportunities don't come along very often and they really have to take it. You have to grab it with both hands.

"If they don't get fazed by it and enjoy it they will have a good chance of winning.

"You only care about winning in these games and I am sure Ian Holloway won't give a monkeys what kind of form they show so long as they win."

Shipperley captained Palace in the 1-0 win over West Ham and has nothing but good memories from the day.

"I remember the West Ham game vividly," he said.

"I don't think West Ham turned up that day and we marginally deserved it.

"I played in a couple of play-off finals before that so I am relatively experienced in them.

"That day was a bit more special as I got the winning goal and was captain and it is something I will never forget."