Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman was full of praise for his men after a battling performance to earn a point against high-flying Watford.

James Vaughan's equaliser just before half-time cancelled out Andreas Weimann early goal, before the Eagles were forced to defend in the closing stages.

I took the club out of the relegation zone for the first time in four months and secured them only their sixth point on the road this season.

"I felt we had a plan and the character we showed after going a goal down was great to see," said Freedman.

"I was happy with the response.

"We are out of bottom three now, there is a long way to go but we are building momentum in terms of performances and points.

"I was pleased with the way we dug in there and showed a lot of spirit."

Everton loanee Vaughan was singled out for some special praise in a fixture that held extra significance for the Palace boss.

"Vaughan is important not only for his goals but his all round play, great energy around the pitch and a fantastic goal," said Freedman.

"It was a really impressive pass from Wilfried Zaha too, perhaps that quality was what we were missing on Saturday.

"I know Malkay really well, we're good mates off the field and his was one of the first letters I got congratulating me on the job.

"Now it is about out-thinking each other and it is a good challenge.

"He has done very well and I am very proud that we stood up to them."

With a home game against fellow strugglers Middlesbrough at the weekend, Freedman hinted there may be a more attacking approach on show at Selhurst Park.

"I do look at every game and try and find inches everywhere," he said.

"Every game is different and I will have played the way we have for a reason.

"For Middlesbrough I will see how I think they will play and maybe have to freshen up my team."