Iain Dowie has hailed his players' "miraculous" achievement in taking Palace to the brink of the play-offs.

Going into tonight's clash with third placed Sunderland, Palace have taken a remarkable 39 points from 57 and lie just three points off the top six.

He said: "Looking at the league table we have created a fantastic opportunity to keep the season going to the last few games.

"It amazes me that there was a sense of disappointment around the ground when we have won three and drawn one. We are right in it and it's a case of being positive.

"What the lads have done since I have been here is nothing short of miraculous.

"It's a huge game and one we can take a lot of pride in knowing that if we were to win the game we are right in the shake up."